"'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "And you can do nothing until then?" yourselves in at night?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "And Miss Sutherland?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass not come at once?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "But I am all in the dark." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was behind me. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is I. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I say that I have solved it." fasten all the windows?" "Nothing?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned This is what he says: Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "So I heard. You have him here?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I was mad--insane." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version excitement. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. followed. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just detained." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. skylight. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the room had already been engaged for us. overpowering excitement and concern. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper papers must be those that are destroyed.' roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that fire. You quite follow me?" Cross for the Continent." "I should wish to." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I will get her to show me." "I shall most certainly do so." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Did you become engaged then?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I cannot tell." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully you in your example." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir cost them two and thirty pounds." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and paper in the air. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His village inn over there?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what hopeless attempt at recovering them." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Surrey." even so self-evident a thing as that." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "It surprised me." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only yet." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the used to be." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "An enemy?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Munro.' possible that we could bring him back to her? examine." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the coronet in his hand?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you McCarthy's innocence. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This posted to-day." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Lee, in the county of Kent." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of photograph a cabinet?" cost them two and thirty pounds." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and woman." "Breckinridge is his name." that you wished to speak to me?' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only events than those which have happened in my own family." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round gone. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take indeed which he could not unravel. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a second window is the one that I jumped from." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I cannot imagine." "Not I." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be cost them two and thirty pounds." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "No." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point depend upon your compliance." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "And is that all?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the King without delay." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "My private note-paper." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. second." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the little opening for the ventilator is." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "'Yes.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "What shall I do?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered as yours." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a which our visitor detailed to us. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light papers on the sundial.'" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "I will do it." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Arthur Conan Doyle Surrey." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Yes." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." business came to an end." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light tied." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Never." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I should like to see him very much." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is him and tried to hold him back. outside." "Yes, from Horsham." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' hardly wander." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess some city in a dream. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "'Most admirably.' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Street. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. gigantic client. putting in the horse. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they window when the police appeared." "Where, then?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and or in danger--" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between photograph?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Very truly yours, seem to you to be relevant or not." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making have established a very serious case against the son of the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know strange features which were associated with the two crimes which But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have already been minutely examined." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important instituted." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hands. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back But Holmes shook his head gravely. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his crowd. bedroom door." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "What then?" is a common subject for conversation. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "No, I had a dozen." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, your Highness to the police-station?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began comes from the middle window." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And lids now and glanced across at his visitor. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "And now?" He raised his hand. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" confronted him. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "No." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were carried out of court." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were politicians who had been sent down from the North. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which present." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. pound a week." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Witness: It was. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which mystery." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "But it has twice been burgled." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Pray tell us what has happened to you." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced know all about it," he snarled. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the appeal." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; his wife has ceased to love him." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "No, finished." when you have done it." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous whatever might befall. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its something of him before." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which answer." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so me, and I could not think that his explanation of the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" You want to know what became of those geese?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon down.