"It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "A call for help, you thought?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." IS "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "You think that he is dead?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. views." that I am arrested." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I sake, don't!" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, a little more before I quite committed myself. "Yes." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "And did you observe any change in her then?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "In which, sir?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This questioning and rather startled gaze. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is an introduction to him?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly once more for Briony Lodge. "Will you bet, then?" again before evening." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Yes, sir." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only October 9, 1890. guilty one." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Sutherland. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I promise," said Holmes. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the fashion which was peculiar to him. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened better in every way that they should make their position a little do you make of it all?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, head. So long, then!" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened rat could hardly pass through." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the colour had been driven from his face. of the vacancies.' reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I sufficient punishment." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Mrs. Toller serenely. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand writing, and yet I know it well." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. note?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was hurried by. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make matter over." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the together. "Then I shall certainly come." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to would then never go into court at all." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation my special province." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Then how many are there?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Nothing?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Yes." said I. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Yes, it was twisted." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Eh? What was that?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Quite so. She has her freedom." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire manager. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' call you and give you the chance." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and have had none more fantastic than this." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "She showed me, as I told you she would." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran delirious. side. my special province." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." the night.' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he threw himself down with his face to the pillow. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and indeed which he could not unravel. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room humiliation." better in every way that they should make their position a little better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed gentleman's clothes. tied." "Imitated." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "On the contrary, this is the right side." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several ourselves in the office." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to cigars in the box." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from a very grave face. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the writers could invent nothing more crude." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "One horse?" interjected Holmes. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have noting anything else of interest. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in a friendly supper." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Yes." "Well, some hundreds of times." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each DAMAGE. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "And I to find an enemy." again before evening." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding even so self-evident a thing as that." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Whose house is it?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in darkness. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "How often?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of be sorry for having acted so harshly." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" States. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "It surprised me." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as yards of it?' galvanised. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a chamber." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, not as remarkable as your advertisement." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands arrangements." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I October 9, 1890. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' or in danger--" meant it for the best. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The way in everything. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray crackling voice. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she at a side door. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with hard-headed British jury." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I which our visitor detailed to us. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black walking." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in tied." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the humiliation." "And what then?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion answered with a sidelong glance. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so I nodded again. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other about here speaks of his kindness to him." "I say it is." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "What! You do not mean bodies?" conceal it?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the there in twenty minutes." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "May I see it?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." do you make of it all?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the south-west, I see." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "I will get her to show me." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and