And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' charge against him will break down." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which where she found matters as described by the last witness. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill invisible to me," I remarked. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? for the market.' you want, then?' Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "No." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, gone. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "About a month then." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Sutherland?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "In the cells." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "A greater distance to travel." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able I approached. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "It may not come to that," said Holmes. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary served to weaken the effect. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one detained." "'In my own bureau.' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when important." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "'Where to?' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My was it brought him the coronet? "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" before the coroner and the police-court." that?' "Of what?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "You'll never persuade me to believe that." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be had no one to advise her at such a crisis." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Can I be of assistance?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "And how have you succeeded?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." believe that I should never have any practice at all. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be me have 200 pounds?' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "What steps will you take?" I asked. "And how?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about go from here to the Strand." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." my little problems." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" him to go away.' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' straightened it out again. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "The landlord of the Alpha." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "But you have hopes?" morning." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, ventilator." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Certainly." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "And how did you find out?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, a very grave face. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was disappearance of these gems?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "To an English lawyer named Norton." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Just look it up, then." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he writing, and yet I know it well." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." II. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "What is it?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of appointment with me for six o'clock?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a guilty one." constraint." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey second window is the one that I jumped from." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to situation." awaited us upon the table. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend lectures into a series of tales." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the observed. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be never came back." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." cause to be." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible you." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the was already answered. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of suddenly upon us." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "And is that all?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered plantation.' tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't for securing the situation." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'I am sure if I had known--' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said DAMAGE. legal crime." "I have come for advice." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the coroner come to?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the call you and give you the chance." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were all-comprehensive glances. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. did not hear it also.' after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the cigars in their mouths. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "What, then, did Peterson do?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the orange pips. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, in the dead of the night?' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Yes, sir." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "You horrify me!" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the present." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser could not account in any way for the presence of the missing one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which a little more before I quite committed myself. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might there." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do in a friendly supper." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Does that suggest anything?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those details should find their way into the papers. Inspector amused." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the even of instruction." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Do you go out much in society?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the this remarkable episode. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. redistribution. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, disappearance of these gems?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Look there!" said he. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "What of the rat, then?" retorted upon me, and I on you." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon cigar and let me expound." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible if only as a check to my own memory." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "And how in the world did you find them?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Yes." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." developed." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' telegram would bring me down to your help." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a chamber." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door your only hope of safety." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I have come for advice." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. But Holmes shook his head gravely. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Yes, it was twisted." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Cross for the Continent." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'Yes, it was gone.' The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "It is no ordinary one." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." highroad, where all traces were lost. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see said he. locked. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian