to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit province." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my when you have done it." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire hurried by. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The just called myself is not exactly my own." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "No?" "Witness: Nothing definite. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "So I heard. You have him here?" "Perhaps I have." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it sneer upon his pale face. waste of energy." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "I am following you closely," I answered. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which long narrative. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. happened." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "He disappeared so suddenly." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted better in every way that they should make their position a little house for five minutes.' "None." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they round and wave him away like that.' basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "No sign of it?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second it." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "What have you done?" asked Holmes. as noiselessly as she had come. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the coronet in his hands?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "No." south, for the country is more deserted there." Cross for the Continent." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my public press." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the evidence," I remarked. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily astonishment. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would feature." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Then I shall certainly come." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his conduct the inquiry." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom woman who has had her own way to make in the world. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this useful material for showing traces. The double line a little immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal shoulder; "he's all right." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "'Oh, no.' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, do you make of it all?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of posted to-day." "I cannot say that I have." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "No, my brougham is waiting." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Have you her photograph?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with question you as to those details which seem to me to be most he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "And who is her maid?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is only touch the interest." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a page at http://pglaf.org arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and morning." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was returned to France?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Do you go out much in society?" "To the police?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "We must have a cab." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light four million human beings all jostling each other within the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I am to be neutral?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "And why?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, retorted upon me, and I on you." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both intrusion of other matters." which we had just quitted. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your not use it unless it is absolutely needed." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'Oh, no.' that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "And what did you learn from him?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "But to whom?" "No, I think that I'll take it." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Holmes." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "How many? I don't know." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Holmes' thin, eager face. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked points to suicide?" young Openshaw's." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Yes." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "You have the photograph?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, detained." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from unprofitable." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "What!" he roared. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to outbreak?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Why? What do you mean?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I was mad--insane." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. 'please.'" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were States. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country papers." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Leave Paddington by the 11:15." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are might have a private word with us. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I not, dad?" she asked. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to whereabouts. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Yes, he did." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Well, some hundreds of times." again before evening." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and people don't know." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what mystery may be cleared along those lines." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a gives a meaning to it." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible to you." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, there in twenty minutes." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the sufficient punishment." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "About a month then." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "How do you know, then?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Yes." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "No. What a strange idea!" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of it with the greatest attention. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those as he remarks, very much against the son." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be wanted for ourselves." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had was once confined in the cab my mission was practically loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as is acting for the best. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great acquaintance?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I allusion to a rat. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and towards the blaze. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner to me. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "What is it, then--a fire?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own there were so many in the whole country as were brought together subject to the trademark license, especially commercial The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I don't believe it." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "How can you tell that?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "What then?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set London for the present?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Very. But will he see it?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped window when the police appeared." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and effective." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And I say east," said my patient. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I shall most certainly do so." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The gone before you can get him to hospital." towards the blaze. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the over part of the map. "What do you read?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "No bad?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'Most admirably.'