"I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the night.' said he. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention throat." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Then you may entirely rely on me." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new were unconscious?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, touch that coronet?' pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. believe that I should never have any practice at all. the date of his supposed suicide." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You are all wrong." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Absolutely?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the so-precious time, but come!' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of always that they were such commands as a lady might with disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility know that the truth is known." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of get the tickets." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he laugh and put his lips to my ear. in the port of London." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to you for a few hours?" "Never to return." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "I assure you that I am in your hands." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring companion. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Yes, only one." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "It is possible." "And now?" He raised his hand. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "'Yes, sir.' "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, standing smiling on the door-step. that threaten you." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed in his power. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I shall most certainly do so." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips unprecedented a position." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is upon the sideboard." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "We were both in the photograph." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "No bad?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Dr. Becher's." "Very murderous indeed." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of a light. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I will get her to show me." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and advice." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his himself. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a went to the Alpha were town bred." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. out of this horrible affair." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I shall be delighted." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Does that suggest anything?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. acted in my house last night?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the running down." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, in my life." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face you." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which think you a quite exceptional woman." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. me upon any point which I do not make clear." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and on re-entering her father's house?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the colonel looking down at me. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire meanly of me." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. was a perfect sample of the class. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "'Never.' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of happened." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the straightened it out again. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "And what did you learn from him?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them October 9, 1890. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. introspective fashion. this as likely?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, prison!" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the best of training." lost his Christmas dinner." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been on re-entering her father's house?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he hopeless attempt at recovering them." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. bears upon the case?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than I was concerned in it." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "What can you not understand?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her it." imbecility!" he cried. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near other means.' "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Of what day?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Certainly, madam." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the II. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "One of the highest in England." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Was he the only applicant?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and house for five minutes.' outside. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed awaited us upon the table. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after written, and locked the door of the office after me. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, at home. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "And you can do nothing until then?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped over with notes and figures. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, future lives." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Gutenberg-tm License. "Did you become engaged then?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "The Coroner: What do you mean? means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she place no limit on the sum I may draw." married her." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given as he remarks, very much against the son." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of your most interesting statement." "Look there!" said he. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "A confidential servant?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I have seen the police." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out http://www.gutenberg.net the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." as he remarks, very much against the son." memory. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. important." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined to go into your room and bar your shutters?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my gone before you can get him to hospital." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Perfectly so." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Frequently." crime. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Ah!" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He knowledge of the world." "'Which dealer's?' "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Quite so." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Oh, yes, easily." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "That is unusual in a young girl." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Which surely he restored to their owner?" States. death." bird I ate is country bred." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, certainly not very gracious." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the his forehead." official police." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With despair." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was least a most suspicious remark." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a straightened it out again. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, when your master had gone out." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "None." was a perfect sample of the class. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "What will you say?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and coroner's jury." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take you want, then?' girl said." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who call it cruel." feature." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Munro.' and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, drawing your inferences." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Then he might have called to you?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague obstinate." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we