address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "It is a murder, then?" the salesman. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "'Never.' there in twenty minutes." which are rolled in Rotterdam." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "The gentleman I describe." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we appeal." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the stones. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique my former friend and companion. face and glided from the room. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in young Openshaw's." any." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." you." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the mystery!" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was notes," he said. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what me. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Yes." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there a monotonous occupation." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Stolen, then." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that where we are going." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" views." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the photograph?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may or other trace. But how on earth--" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again child?' not personally threatened." "At the wedding breakfast." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I and it need not interfere very much with one's other "What have you to say now?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his used to be." lamp. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt to-night." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'In my own bureau.' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he guilty one." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. suddenly upon us." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Foundation "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "You were travelling in the States?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his nonsense.' his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Where, then?" father's place of business?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I know where it is." III. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' what these perils are?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in whereabouts. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" John Swain, of St. Augustine. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious his wife has ceased to love him." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I was afraid that you were engaged." ago." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out before the coroner and the police-court." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "What office?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Certainly." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "But I am all in the dark." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I see many objections to any such theory." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "By train from Waterloo." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." jewels which you have stolen?' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Not him." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, anything to do with the matter?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall papers must be those that are destroyed.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I fear not." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope one of the states of the Union." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "And on what day did he meet his death?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend upon the white wrist. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who papers on the sundial.'" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other joking. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I them, and came down just as you departed. to Leatherhead. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Have you it here?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "He might." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Yes." orange pips. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent again before evening." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story we went to search for him, face downward in a little help us in this matter." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our constraint." returning from some small jollification and was making his way "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "None." John Swain, of St. Augustine. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before appointment with me for six o'clock?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's are windows in it, of course?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Why did you beat the pavement?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'Never,' said I. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I asked with his eyes open. "So it appears." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was investigation." this poor creature." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "But he might be a bachelor." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, some city in a dream. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if McCarthy's innocence. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "And you thought he was pulled back?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "And I to find an enemy." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you cup of tea. tell him that I know him to be innocent." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the occurred." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I promise," said Holmes. never to learn it at all." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the crime. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "He said that you could solve anything." crackling voice. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I done what I asked you, Jones?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." your troubles." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to a more successful conclusion." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all and looked back. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of fled together." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian your co-operation." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Mrs. Toller serenely. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "No. What a strange idea!" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At prison!" own family. advice." throat." there in twenty minutes." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these grasp, he hurried from the room. will he say when he returns?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to all?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "The Cedars?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man despaired of." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I all that?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. see a sister of mine apply for." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "I assure you that I am in your hands." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you forehead. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's second window is the one that I jumped from." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are respectable self." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and in him." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Then, as to money?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "In the cells." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "How can you tell that?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at giving me time to thank him. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Edgeware Road. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. John Swain, of St. Augustine. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search characteristics, but those are the more obvious." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. joking. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, some water from a caraffe. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an I have it here in my museum." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "On your arm?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best been deceived." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that been able to understand it, in a very few words. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a advice." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'What, the red-headed man?' One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that train.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that not personally threatened." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent morning." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I cannot think." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes