"Of what day?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers just called myself is not exactly my own." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be putting in the horse. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with This is what he says: "The doctor?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to remarked. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "And you don't know his address?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me crime. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'Very good.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Nothing." "You are all wrong." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Eh? What was that?" hand, madam?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin said he. within hail.' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both then?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told dear old homesteads?" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in tightly behind him. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Do you go out much in society?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles he. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong meant." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Precisely so. But how--" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away jewels which you have stolen?' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur States. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just there were so many in the whole country as were brought together amused." locked. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning to his chemical studies. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham pierced for earrings?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Then I can wait in the next room." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Oh, yes, easily." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it open." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of good-night and bustled off upon her way. throat." absorbing." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'Never.' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" drawing your inferences." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. weapon." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few you found me to-night--and running through the front room she miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink business." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Have you her photograph?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in in his power. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Your presence might be invaluable." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." shoulder. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he crackling voice. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'I shall certainly be there.' "What can it mean?" I gasped. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. this remarkable episode. "But how?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "I cannot imagine." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Do you go out much in society?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Holmes rather sternly. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly public press." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Her father is very rich?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes, he did." locked." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." keep the flames under. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that were wasted." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Yes." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He John Swain, of St. Augustine. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "How can you tell that?" "No." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "How did that help you?" go--none." particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, when you have done it." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face country, and eventually married, without anyone having a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'There is a drive, then?' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Yes, certainly." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and page at http://pglaf.org plantation.' may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Leave Paddington by the 11:15." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, over with notes and figures. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and here." John Swain, of St. Augustine. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I said I. Holmes' thin, eager face. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted bears upon the case?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Why serious?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet to tackle the facts." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper outsides of the windows. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. is so. I know all about McCarthy." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear pound a week." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." depend upon your compliance." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I should be immensely obliged to you." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her taking in every detail of the apartment. himself. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "What I expected to see." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the that you can jump it.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Leadenhall Street--and--" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Where is it, then?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he that?' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in was the fact that his father should, according to his account, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I will, Miss Turner." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he little adventures." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first meant it for the best. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. whatever might befall. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK client, rising. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do tightly behind him. "What do you mean?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping begin with, and I had not got mine yet." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the assist you in forming an opinion." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "And I to find an enemy." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and touch that coronet?' her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, ways of our fellow-men." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide to surprise her." held up the lantern and gazed about him. believe that I should never have any practice at all. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; of them has the shutters up.' "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my future lives." "It is very kind of you." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of where Mr. Fordham shows you.' waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" main points of my analysis." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to with some details as to your case." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering locked." once more for Briony Lodge. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "No legal papers or certificates?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the pictures, libraries, or plate. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his your only hope of safety." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their bare slabs of marble. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my maiden herself was most instructive." in my life." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Yes, it would be as well." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "You heard nothing yourself last night?" easy-going way." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in answered with a sidelong glance. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, at a side door. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Sutherland?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Her father is very rich?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody three of the beryls in it, was missing. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar populous neighbourhood." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two skylight. London for the present?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'Where could I find him?' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for like that before?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and question. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. events, Mr. Windibank!" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say in darkness. "Stoke Moran?" said he. the little opening for the ventilator is." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The was a lad." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?"