a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and I. II. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the your co-operation." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. shoulder; "he's all right." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange business." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each have not had my rubber." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster as yours." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. criminal. We have already had experience of such." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to room had already been engaged for us. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, south, for the country is more deserted there." into the bag, and made for the door. knowledge of the world." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some everything which you would wish to know." that threaten you." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over forehead. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And that is--" and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to rooms." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have through." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and learned something! Where are the gems?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" neither fascinating nor artistic." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove and effective." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Thank you. And your address?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right them present such singular features as the strange train of Eyford at 11:15.' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came sit on the left-hand side of the driver." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the Assizes." "Did you observe the colour?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the business." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." happened." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and trifles." "None." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see as this. Pray let me have the details." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now best detective that ever lived. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course any." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of eat it." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." The events in question occurred in the early days of my did not hear it also.' address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "He said too much." some city in a dream. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country not personally threatened." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Yes, I have one waiting." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact only touch the interest." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "No. What a strange idea!" lamp. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "You have but to name it." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly throat." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," your equipment. sooner or later she must fall a victim. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This problems help me to do so." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. forecastle of an emigrant ship. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "And how in the world did you find them?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Where did you address your letters, then?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "So I have heard." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Very murderous indeed." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which noble correspondent could be. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a pierced for earrings?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Yes, that is the Crown." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "What! a murderous attack?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'And what salary do you ask?' great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "I will not look." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "No. What a strange idea!" in the dead of the night?' found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I do." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a feature." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "And your mother is alive?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "My last client of the sort was a king." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "You have a clue?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was writing, and yet I know it well." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low you do it in twenty minutes!' We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were disappearance of the bride.'" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are photograph?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the in a friendly supper." Stoke Moran." Have you good authority for what you say?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "No good news?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the happened." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, records." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I bonnet, and went out." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened way: have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with redistribution. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "The Coroner: What do you mean? follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Henry Baker is a member." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out companion. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he habit of advancing money.' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" disappearance of the bride.'" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "He said that you could solve anything." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little to tackle the facts." "And how did you find out?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. wedding?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "She will not sell." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your were unconscious?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'What, the red-headed man?' I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "It certainly sounds feasible." instincts rose up against that laugh. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "The gentleman I describe." it. "My photograph." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we will he say when he returns?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I was certainly surprised to find you there." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, front of me. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such time." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon some mystery and the punishment of some crime." hand, madam?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy married her." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to fattened it expressly for you.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a so far?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An business in the City. She little knew what. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of skylight. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "What shall I do?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of nonsense.' your bag." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those allusion to a rat. again, where I was soon asleep. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the best of training." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'There is a drive, then?' along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she I think that I could be of assistance to you." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to I think that I could be of assistance to you." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical to tackle the facts." of the vacancies.' "One of his hands." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "That sounds a little paradoxical." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "It is to him that this trophy belongs." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in yourselves in at night?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Was there a secret marriage?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. DAMAGE. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "How did you deduce the select?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "And the cigar-holder?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to round with crates and massive boxes. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our it? Did I buy the geese off you?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense into the room. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Where did he live, then?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece