"because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "He is dead," cried several voices. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "A greater distance to travel." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me The King stared at him in amazement. "It is very clear." hardly wander." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant disturbance in my wife." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "But how did you gain them?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "No good news?" events than those which have happened in my own family." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, possible that we could bring him back to her? one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I there!' might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "'Ample.' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." instituted." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. once more. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "And how have you succeeded?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from drawing your inferences." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the over here." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "And what did you see?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in writers could invent nothing more crude." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug I have it here in my museum." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "My photograph." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly details should find their way into the papers. Inspector a room. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "What, then, did Peterson do?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Yes." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Because he was handy and would come cheap." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Not in a good cause." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple to where he stood hid behind the curtain. fashion which was peculiar to him. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Nearly eleven." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Not social, then?" second." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock touch that coronet?' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "That's no good." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His a very grave face. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Pope's Court, Fleet Street." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the not within a twentieth part of the market price." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Again Holmes raved in the air. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal seen the man in the road." Pool. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my habit of advancing money.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Arthur Conan Doyle it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the driver. papers must be those that are destroyed.' should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," back to my heart. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the and all of them with the keenest interest. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Now, then, what's the last entry?" you do it in twenty minutes!' me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she down. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of went to the Alpha were town bred." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Then, as to money?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into you in your example." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." such attractions and accomplishments?' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and passage and a tap at the door. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand clang of the bell. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I am to be neutral?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. have got?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in with her." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile families. Now for the facts. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Can I be of assistance?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's correct than the official force." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful have established a very serious case against the son of the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'What are you doing there?' he asked. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would were new raised from a basin. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "My dear Holmes!" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your meant." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." husband's writing, madam." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my I shall communicate with you." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "You horrify me." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of your young ladies.' his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "But the mystery?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." companion quietly. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. a monotonous occupation." tapping his fingers upon the table. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "10th. John Swain cleared. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Married! When?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "This concluded the examination of the witness." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "How do you know, then?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "My Mary? Impossible!" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. she to prove their authenticity?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get congenial hunt. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "You think so, too?" public press." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" remarked. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look results." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'A dozen yards or so.' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "It is possible." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two not use it unless it is absolutely needed." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the dangers which encompass me." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in have been better. It is all right." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and chance." "Indeed! Whose, then?" have not had my rubber." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and fatally injured? crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "But how did you gain them?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature bonnet, and went out." of it with the greatest attention. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "And is that all?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "No, I am descending." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it all that?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Of Friday, June 19th." "And it is--" this poor creature." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Witness: It was. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Look there!" said he. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to might have a private word with us. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. third from London." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "But who is he?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" are, and they are waiting for us." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier never to learn it at all." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he there is a decided draught." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland and a shock of very red hair. third from London." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and skylight. "Imitated." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "It surprised me." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." strength." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the green of the new foliage. you in yours." quite distinctive." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "And help." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were strong reason behind." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his she to prove their authenticity?" wedding?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'About the same.' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the stable lane now." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of was it brought him the coronet? retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, other lovers by making love himself." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no page at http://pglaf.org the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my over here." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Well?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without quickly through a disagreeable task. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the inquest, and which are worth considering." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, him." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "You heard nothing yourself last night?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Yes." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. politicians who had been sent down from the North. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "What can it mean?" I gasped. But Holmes shook his head gravely. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "In what way?" asked Holmes. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the in his power. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Not social, then?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to said I. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for could not account in any way for the presence of the missing one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but over with notes and figures. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Mrs. Toller serenely. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Oh, the cause is excellent!" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his