houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Pray continue your narrative." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, flock.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he new acquaintance to Baker Street. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "I see many objections to any such theory." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Ten will be early enough." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "But how will you look?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them important." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the room while you explain this matter?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a friends, not even his own brother. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a during that time.' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Dr. Becher's." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Where, indeed?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "If so, much may have happened between." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head already been minutely examined." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the dramatic, in fact." strength in the others." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "But to whom?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Absolutely?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "And from a noble client?" frequently gained my first real insight into the character of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I other lovers by making love himself." do." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "And sit in the dark?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of putting in the horse. that you can jump it.' "Upon what point?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, ordinary clothes on?" one of the states of the Union." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all father's place of business?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Then I can wait in the next room." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his DISSOLVED. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would minor matters until to-morrow." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "And what did you see?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be formed some opinion?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Why? What do you mean?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland off." his grey eyes. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his not personally threatened." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Have you good authority for what you say?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Where, then, is my wife?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a mystery!" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the was feeling which was the fattest.' particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, excitement. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Eyford." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I was mad--insane." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get miles off. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. writer." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United fatally injured? "You have a clue?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the galvanised. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the station." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been know what is wrong with it.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "It is a murder, then?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw McCarthy." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right me have 200 pounds?' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. hands. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "And you thought he was pulled back?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Have you it here?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Where, then, is my wife?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "The best possible." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without on in his house." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "'Yes, it was gone.' without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "We were both in the photograph." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow into the bag, and made for the door. was used.' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in I shall communicate with you." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough opportunities to fix the problem. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you chance at all." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own orange pips. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was gone. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "None." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps which should have the effect of calling the attention of the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the very morning of the wedding." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the You want to know what became of those geese?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," companion. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, tell him that I know him to be innocent." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "What, then?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy important." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "He said too much." light and attacked it." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "It certainly sounds feasible." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. clang of the bell. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Yes, I promise.' gone before you can get him to hospital." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "From his hat?" "I shall be delighted." "Won't it ring?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Eyford at 11:15.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in about. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed gbnewby@pglaf.org sneer upon his pale face. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "ARAT," I read. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "None." way in everything. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the coroner come to?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Yes." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." asked. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and papers." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the back alive. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I do." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a skylight. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, tell them apart.' pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their characteristics, but those are the more obvious." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I fear not." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very your Highness to the police-station?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'There is a drive, then?' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Watson," he said cordially. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We at home. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are our word." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "But how will you look?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Yes, all." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "What steps will you take?" I asked. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'I have heard so.' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, I. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. his knees, staring into the fire. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let light and attacked it." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which figure." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be cigar and let me expound." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as ago." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my events than those which have happened in my own family." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important was it brought him the coronet? it." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some may have an influence upon European history." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Nothing?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "And what then?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than a monotonous occupation." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that was already answered. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather is worth.' "I would give my fortune to have them back."