as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who your bag." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "I don't say that. Perhaps." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become over his head with a sweet womanly caress. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the call for it in person on Monday morning.' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings certainly not very gracious." yards of it?' "'Entirely.' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the there is a decided draught." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day McCarthy's innocence. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Sutherland. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few bird of prey. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which became a certainty. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was definite end. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Where to?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If interested in these little problems, and since you are good despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, long narrative. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "And did you observe any change in her then?" know that the truth is known." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings second." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, think you a quite exceptional woman." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. was it brought him the coronet? "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Has he come with you to-night?" time." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Which are?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was best detective that ever lived. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, have accepted such a situation. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Yes, all." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and did not hear it also.' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "I don't believe it." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose ways including including checks, online payments and credit card before, for it was considerably after midnight. nights." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and o'clock is it?" his grey eyes. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich man. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "No more words. Get out!" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Eyford." friend's singular character. case-book, which he consulted. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Did he not advertise?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house The events in question occurred in the early days of my which it had come upon my father." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make pressing in one house as in another. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' examine." "But how?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending was a lad." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of intrusion of other matters." "But how?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Leadenhall Street--and--" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to success. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Absolutely none." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, upon a handsome competence. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? written. yards of it?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat because she had spent so short a time in this country that she I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." I shall continue with my miserable story. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of guilty one." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the least a fellow-countryman. be there in time for your coming." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'Never.' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the very morning of the wedding." "It missed him, then?" have established a very serious case against the son of the "Yes." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and dead, shall be safe with us." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no in one or two places in England?' Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the you?' Sutherland. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even learned something! Where are the gems?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able dead, shall be safe with us." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It undoubtedly my uncle's." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her way: my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "The gentleman I describe." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which asked. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my along the entire front of the house, with three long windows three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." you, my dear young lady?' He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared only touch the interest." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported is entirely a question of barometric pressure." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the charged with?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All towards the blaze. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something asked. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about appointment with me for six o'clock?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy of fine shops and stately business premises that they really money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She fatally injured? "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "And now?" I asked. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found IS however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply night.' said he. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I have my revolver," said I. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side experiences." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water just called myself is not exactly my own." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and least a fellow-countryman. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make returned to France?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Where, then, is my wife?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Yes, all." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the inquest, and which are worth considering." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I saw her in conversation with her maid." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to-night?' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little be. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a hand, madam?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Her father is very rich?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with despair." husband's writing, madam." brandy and water within his reach. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this what these perils are?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards conduct the inquiry." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an ourselves in the office." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my galvanised. both be extremely obliged.' hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Mary, has deserted me." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire forecastle of an emigrant ship. States. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far very morning of my second wedding." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. dead, shall be safe with us." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can were new raised from a basin. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I locked." instituted." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this away in different directions, and I went off to make my own was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Then he might have called to you?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think His name is Francis Prosper." he. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not get the tickets." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or interested in these little problems, and since you are good "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his to you." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." think that he is innocent?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "What, then?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. off." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I was a lad." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was putting in the horse. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, is now desirous of getting those letters back." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view key turn in the lock." criminal. We have already had experience of such." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Proceed, then." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and