Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "She walked into the breakfast-room." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "And Irene Adler?" one of them." "You are hungry," I remarked. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Then what has happened to him?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the think that he is innocent?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "BALLARAT." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "An enemy?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what present." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "What, then?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "VIOLET HUNTER." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found little adventures." to have that photograph." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the room while you explain this matter?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the coronet in his hand?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "It was an hour's good drive." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be recover the gem." British peeress.'" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "You have but to name it." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Surrey." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "One of his hands." "And the murderer?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "How often?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "No, I am descending." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the do you make of it all?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to already been minutely examined." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, figure." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Well, some hundreds of times." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, you." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "You heard nothing yourself last night?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt hand, madam?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "None." writing, and yet I know it well." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Was she in good spirits?" be. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't leaning back in his chair. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such certainly not very gracious." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Precisely." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Sutherland?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and your relations to her." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and written, and locked the door of the office after me. the little opening for the ventilator is." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front certainly do as you advise." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so me." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "About a month then." some terrible trap for her." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered presented more singular features than that which was associated you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and effective." "I have hopes." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Have you it here?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical murdered man." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a an introduction to him?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced populous neighbourhood." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Then I am your man." if I call to-morrow?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but any." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly man. "And now?" I asked. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would in the dead of the night?' wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'Then let me do so?' stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was lids now and glanced across at his visitor. lost his Christmas dinner." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "On the contrary, this is the right side." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "So I am. Very much so." character. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind from the brougham. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "If I can be of use." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been writer." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. spare." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked thin legs towards the fire. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "That is not always so easy." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. your bag." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then never to learn it at all." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of papers." pound a week." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "I am still in the dark." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, mysterious business." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." my room." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness asked. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that dates and names. felt the room to be a little close.' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "But you can know nothing of this?" "'I have heard so.' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I gone. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "It was an hour's good drive." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." answer." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is or other trace. But how on earth--" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Surrey." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the has little to do with my story." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "I would give my fortune to have them back." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it 11:15.' of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, all?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the address that was given us in the advertisement. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had all?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found crowd. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. chance." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Leadenhall Street--and--" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing if she died from some sudden fright." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly impression behind it as though a window had gently closed secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds it were putty." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. developed." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should my friend's incisive reasoning. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the his knees, staring into the fire. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "How did that help you?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy have had none more fantastic than this." deduce something from that?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss opened a pocket-book and took out a note. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged that?' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing at my remark. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "My opinion is in no way altered." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "From his hat?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Yes, it was twisted." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: you want, then?' his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is someone who had been in Australia." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police signal between you and your father? dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as to-night?' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he it." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little which it had come upon my father." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'As governess?' ago." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was get her out of the way." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "What!" he roared. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark nothing of it?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin someone who had been in Australia." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "My Mary? Impossible!" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "That is it on the dressing-table." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked bell. Holmes whistled. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'Yes, sir.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "How did that help you?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'I have already given you my word.' that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the general public were present, then?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he hands. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the very morning of the wedding." the coronet at all injured?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have here." clanging. "This photograph!" "To the police?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "And leave your case unfinished?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "You think so, too?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "How are you getting on?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "That's no good."