accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Her father is very rich?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Perfectly so." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "There is the writing." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "But I am all in the dark." only touch the interest." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'What, the red-headed man?' death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we http://www.gutenberg.net time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very like gravel from a pit.' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There tapping his fingers upon the table. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what asked. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Sutherland. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom made his money." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "But you have hopes?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked indeed happy." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees hurried away. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "None." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. gigantic client. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all exactly what you advise." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or your sleep?' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and little trying to do so much typewriting?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I think that it is very probable." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my train.' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with some terrible trap for her." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'In my own bureau.' his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. it means?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great presume?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "And you can do nothing until then?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Where is it, then?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the for the market.' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "'Ample.' than was visible to me." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something developed." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." papers diligently of late, have you not?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his his cane at the bell-pull. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies someone who had been in Australia." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. daring than any effort of the imagination." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You one's self under obligations.' send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. that?' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Stolen, then." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. leaning back in his chair. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "But it has twice been burgled." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he strange features which were associated with the two crimes which labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of go from here to the Strand." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' room. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." during that time.' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "'Never,' said I. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "We must have a cab." easy-going way." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and for securing the situation." electronic works who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "'And what salary do you ask?' "And how have you succeeded?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Stoke Moran?" said he. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle horse could go." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the nonsense.' papers must be those that are destroyed.' my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Dirty?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. this remarkable episode. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be these bleak autumnal evenings." "Well?" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the you give your casting vote to?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "No, finished." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned burst out into a roar of laughter. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the stones. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these with frightened eyes at his accuser. them present such singular features as the strange train of "But your client--" "Nothing." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a had this final quarrel? 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Has he come with you to-night?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Have you her photograph?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit gives a meaning to it." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "The knees of his trousers." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'Then let me do so?' lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Your French gold?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To mystery!" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled bare slabs of marble. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the voice, changing her seat as requested. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a my friend's incisive reasoning. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as introspective fashion. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a written, and locked the door of the office after me. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began business at Coburg Square is serious." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull The summons was a brief and urgent one. the child." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of chance at all." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Yes, sir." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Do you go out much in society?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "If I can be of use." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "She told me to ask you." papers on the sundial.'" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means companion. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My know all about it," he snarled. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "In the cells." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' lamp. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it in darkness. "I am armed." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw I have it here in my museum." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out seem to you to be relevant or not." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able not within a twentieth part of the market price." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "10th. John Swain cleared. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper that you can jump it.' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a joking. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an recover the gem." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell to go into your room and bar your shutters?" one which it was hard to resist. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, is so. I know all about McCarthy." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the Assizes." disappearance of the bride.'" "The best possible." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "What is it, then--a fire?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then see a sister of mine apply for." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are opened the door, and slipped through. "I shall be delighted." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Then you may be so with me." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to fatally injured? had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'Not at all. I only doubt--' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from went to the Alpha were town bred." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off confronted him. "How did that help you?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of note-paper. It read in this fashion: and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would again on its way. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Chief Executive and Director at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' your equipment. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you chance at all." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Very truly yours, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'Stolen!' he cried. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I with her." "May I see it?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Just look it up, then." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be least a most suspicious remark." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could it." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in in the port of London." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I do." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, door?" salesman. drawing your inferences." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I promise," said Holmes. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Yes, there are nearly always some there." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last photograph a cabinet?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again particular state visit http://pglaf.org "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, my secret was safe in his possession.