The King stared at him in amazement. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "And what then?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before habit of advancing money.' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in For additional contact information: "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire learned something! Where are the gems?" not come at once?" to change my dress. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Holmes' thin, eager face. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will visitors." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the window when the police appeared." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the legal crime." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, what I may call a really hard day's work." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the for its centre. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'You cannot say what it was?' I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building which we had just quitted. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "You saw the ventilator, too?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "Could he throw no light?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to details." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have always that they were such commands as a lady might with disappearance of these gems?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Why, what do you mean?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, know that the truth is known." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Not in the least." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress and it need not interfere very much with one's other glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three careless servant girl?" "Nearly eleven." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into certainly not very gracious." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "And how did you verify them?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside night.' said he. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' next day. you." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill handed it to him. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating hour?' you." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite felt?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and maiden herself was most instructive." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be voice. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, within hail.' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the drawing your inferences." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting several quiet little villages up there." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the King without delay." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while in a friendly supper." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "The Cedars?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'Never.' fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed could not have written that. It is the German who is so Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "No, distinctly professional." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that carried out of court." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I will do it." maiden herself was most instructive." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "No sign of it?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "And when will you call?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Eyford at 11:15.' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "I beg pardon." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here national property. I was determined that the law should have its of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "And leave your case unfinished?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I cannot imagine." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "And for present expenses?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the this poor creature." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Perfectly so." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for you." fled together." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the coroner's jury." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See sufficient punishment." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." carriage. It was a chestnut." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'Why that?' I asks. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some must be when I saw the door open.' his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "And the murderer?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before girl said." "Nearly eleven." "I have hopes." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "How did that help you?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. bled considerably." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." could not have written that. It is the German who is so the south-west, I see." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of and a shock of very red hair. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'As governess?' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. and the whole place is in a blaze." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was which I could not give. He asked for Alice. enter Dr. Roylott's room." roused himself from his reverie. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been husband's writing, madam." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "No, I think that I'll take it." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'In my own bureau.' as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "I see no marks." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite coat-tails." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried to Leatherhead. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "And from a noble client?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again derbies." "But how?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an observed. "That you are never beaten." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I train.' "Absolutely none." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I would pay ten." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, walking." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be salesman. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the stood on the top of it. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'Never,' said I. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box chill to my heart. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" it." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single against a man in the prime of life?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "And your mother is alive?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. before the coroner and the police-court." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Street. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Nor running a chance of arrest?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the so-precious time, but come!' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" be there in time for your coming." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small at once, for I have only half an hour." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "No, finished." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. round and wave him away like that.' is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Was he the only applicant?" ready to-morrow?' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more American. Then who could this American be, and why should he dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to I leave." again." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Street. "It is true that I have been generally successful." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has asked. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what that?' Lee, in the county of Kent." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet."