"I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and manager. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "But she could not love him." "Then he might have called to you?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "That's no good." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to breakfast?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The writers could invent nothing more crude." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the coronet in his hand?" habit of advancing money.' affection." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the questionable one." the best of training." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his matter." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the indeed which he could not unravel. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It is a murder, then?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Always." "Entirely." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "There are none." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Do you go out much in society?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." "And the cigar-holder?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Thank you. Pray proceed." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, ready to-morrow?' during which he might have communicated with his friend the stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "I answered that I had not. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Deserted you?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Heh?' whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time you." "Where is it, then?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening developed." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. there is a decided draught." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "What is it?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Why serious?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "And now?" I asked. conclusions. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have this unhappy family?" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this train.' He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "He might." morning." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the to surprise her." "Certainly." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but foresight and the moral retrogression?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. criminal. We have already had experience of such." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the date of his supposed suicide." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Really! You surprise me." purpose of examination. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Nothing." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in said he at last. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "The decline of his fortunes, then?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "No, my brougham is waiting." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any hands. entirely lost his self-respect." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the you, my dear young lady?' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's pressing in one house as in another. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I you in your example." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "One?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'Which dealer's?' was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at sit on the left-hand side of the driver." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so paper in the air. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in shaken than I had ever seen him. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "My stepfather's business papers." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the investigation." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive vanished into the darkness. "'As governess?' "10th. John Swain cleared. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the to talk it over. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded anything to do with the matter?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "And what did you learn from him?" "'I shall certainly be there.' "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout this Miss Turner." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly dear old homesteads?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' directly by questioning you." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than one of them." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "You did not overhear what they said?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I cannot say that I have." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much directly by questioning you." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has meant." "'You cannot say what it was?' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his do.' just called myself is not exactly my own." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have what do you think they found in the pockets?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client for securing the situation." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most comes from the middle window." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, within hail.' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "No. What a strange idea!" nothing of it?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the this as likely?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "And on what day did he meet his death?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing happened." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the British peeress.'" amused." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "'Oh, no.' "'As governess?' "And why in hopes?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "But you were on a friendly footing?" seen the man in the road." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, bled considerably." "Really! You surprise me." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. taking in every detail of the apartment. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my to where he stood hid behind the curtain. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Certainly, madam." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Yes." meant." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." have established a very serious case against the son of the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "And for present expenses?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Is he quiet?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I do." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who leaning back in his chair. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Absolutely none." absorbing." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "How are you getting on?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fluttered off among the others. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "How did you trace it, then?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" and the whole place is in a blaze." 1.F. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Do you go out much in society?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A particular state visit http://pglaf.org death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even to affect your life." it." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He congenial hunt. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have yet." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience yet." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from green of the new foliage. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. lost nothing by them." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four me. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." danger is over." of." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, wife's character?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Holmes, the busybody!" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my know what is wrong with it.' "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. hereditary King of Bohemia." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. of it with the greatest attention. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I drove away. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "From his hat?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "And why?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand which should have the effect of calling the attention of the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend examine." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "He disappeared so suddenly." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming mysterious business." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "In what way?" asked Holmes. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked his cane at the bell-pull. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, be sorry for having acted so harshly." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our man. I know him from the photograph." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "You think that he is dead?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "In which, sir?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Dark enough and sinister enough." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced comes from the middle window." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little walking." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. easy-going way." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not