"The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and a shock of very red hair. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as your bag." "And I." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'What would be the hours?' I asked. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Pray continue your narrative." lamp in his hand. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated 'I should be able to look after that for you.' events, Mr. Windibank!" miles off. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he voice, changing her seat as requested. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "But how did you gain them?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in annoyance, but no jest. answered with a sidelong glance. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'I have already given you my word.' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'You cannot say what it was?' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that weigh very heavily upon my conscience." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on rat could hardly pass through." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you him and tried to hold him back. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "You have the photograph?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, were wasted." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line followed. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who conduct the inquiry." October 9, 1890. of." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this before the coroner and the police-court." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to with some details as to your case." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the had formerly been in part my own. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'I am sure if I had known--' body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I was concerned in it." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Surrey." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "'In my own bureau.' which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "No, my brougham is waiting." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with very peculiar words of the dying woman?" been deceived." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "'And the work?' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in fashion which was peculiar to him. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Yes." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "No, I had a dozen." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "If I can be of use." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a fashion which was peculiar to him. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Two days later this same performance was gone through under America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Again Holmes raved in the air. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch he bowed and left the room without another word. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, prepare for the new role I have to play." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the house with me." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Deserted you?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the bedroom door." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both into the room. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying against a man in the prime of life?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who hereditary King of Bohemia." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Oh, yes, easily." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just business at Coburg Square is serious." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt footfalls from the street. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Certainly." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would burst into a hearty fit of laughter. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided feature." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to see a sister of mine apply for." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is child?' from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the congratulate you again." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very and a shock of very red hair. "'In my own bureau.' belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a laugh and put his lips to my ear. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast distinguish the words: why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Never." "Pray let us have it, for all that." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call congratulate you again." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible think that he is innocent?" "How often?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he this Miss Turner." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices voice, changing her seat as requested. gbnewby@pglaf.org the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in presented more singular features than that which was associated accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is with some details as to your case." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was kind enough to tell me what I should do." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Your sister is dead, then?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, sufficient punishment." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there directors, with the result that you have seen." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house whether it answered to the description of any of their downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a been shamefully used." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to your troubles." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. danger is over." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your was a lad." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "To an end?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some key of the affair now." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Perfectly so." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most locked." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long made him keep the appointment." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see some city in a dream. and have this put in the evening papers." the very morning of the wedding." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near against a man in the prime of life?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. carriage. It was a chestnut." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." noble correspondent could be. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "And how in the world did you find them?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Then you may entirely rely on me." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'Why that?' I asks. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more October 9, 1890. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place entirely devoid of interest." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "It looks newer than the other things?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own of a light. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, strode off upon his way. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the not come at once?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in The telegram which we eventually received came late one night took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Why did you beat the pavement?" hard-headed British jury." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "A greater distance to travel." "And when will you call?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Never to return." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "And leave your case unfinished?" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I would give my fortune to have them back." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful figure." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without never came back." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "I shall most certainly do so." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Do you receive much company?" he asked. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Always." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Ah!" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second charged with?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having