From what you have told me I think that it is possible that over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Miss Holder?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of charge against him will break down." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. into the bag, and made for the door. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Indeed! Whose, then?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "You saw the ventilator, too?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is ran thus: when you have done it." hands. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled death." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small made his money." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Where did he live, then?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say them?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life himself. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up newspaper selections." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have to a more successful conclusion." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "My stepfather's business papers." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I cannot tell." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a have not had my rubber." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the devil!" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her States. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Yes, all." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "How do you know, then?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Murdered?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I pierced for earrings?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to cheerful." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that to me. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, someone who had been in Australia." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some enough to aid us in our search." carpenter." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look written, and locked the door of the office after me. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. is now desirous of getting those letters back." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the secret." "At what time?" questioning and rather startled gaze. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed ourselves in the office." "One?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful together. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's if she died from some sudden fright." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the burst out into a roar of laughter. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Who by?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was that threaten you." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. within hail.' protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," nothing with him." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be a room. the house with me." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "The King of Scandinavia." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding persecution?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and fattened it expressly for you.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora troubles have been weighing upon his mind. despaired of." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his particular state visit http://pglaf.org the very morning of the wedding." to affect your life." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest learned something! Where are the gems?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Tired-looking or fresh?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little night.' said he. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Edgeware Road. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. read over the extraordinary announcement. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the crime. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little four million human beings all jostling each other within the sound at heart." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the people in all walks of life. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no allusion to a rat. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass roused himself from his reverie. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle it were putty." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and answered with a sidelong glance. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over coroner's jury." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring me, and I could not think that his explanation of the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Farm upon the left." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a are, I think, all that we need." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence one or two very singular points about this room. For example, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Do you receive much company?" he asked. felt the room to be a little close.' "BALLARAT." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" events than those which have happened in my own family." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Then I shall certainly come." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a could not have written that. It is the German who is so may never be exposed to such a temptation." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's arms and began to sob in a high treble key. you." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it there!' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be shadow pass over his face as I spoke. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester people in all walks of life. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. of your young ladies.' "And for present expenses?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window details." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not I approached. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" visitors." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his arrested. You then--" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, think that he is innocent?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. are, I think, all that we need." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the one as in the other." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I cannot imagine." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. you?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of with you?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set case-book, which he consulted. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Where did he live, then?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and the church but not where the lady lived." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'A dozen yards or so.' your equipment. feature." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of photograph a cabinet?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case prison!" His name is Francis Prosper." for its centre. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles you." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And read it out to me." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you thin legs towards the fire. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put way in everything. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was never to learn it at all." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your highly," said Holmes. as this. Pray let me have the details." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded once more. developed." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, was used.' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our rooms." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very you." business." as this. Pray let me have the details." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. this as likely?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a extraordinary contortions. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in asked with his eyes open. someone who had been in Australia." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the cigars in the box." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all there!' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Yes, that is the Crown." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the married her." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been himself in a perplexing position. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, you came in." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Your French gold?" you give your casting vote to?" lamp. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the ready to-morrow?' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to stalked out of the room. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake directors, with the result that you have seen." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve threw himself down with his face to the pillow. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "What can it mean?" I gasped. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "No." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in feature." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just here." desk. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "What then?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public had picked up in the wood. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "What shall I do?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. disappearance of these gems?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able beg that you will break it off." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I was mad--insane." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the that, and I came down." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Well." "Has he come with you to-night?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Pray let us have it, for all that." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "To ruin me." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a