"'Oh, no.' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and capable of preserving a secret.' events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to flock.' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I this poor creature." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "What?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the Red-headed League." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second together. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." death." stood on the top of it. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent bare slabs of marble. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many four million human beings all jostling each other within the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, vanished into the darkness. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the in a very precise fashion." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." his fortune, and I went back to pa. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Well, it is a possible supposition." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite could gather together that I was able to avert another public without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we handed it to him. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I think that I could be of assistance to you." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "None." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual imbecility!" he cried. client, rising. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time already referred to. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Well, some hundreds of times." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and files of the old papers, following the future career of every as the one I chose?' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the that, and I came down." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as had picked up in the wood. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "We were both in the photograph." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his gone. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the had this final quarrel? them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we ceremony." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "He said that you could solve anything." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away who was a member of your goose club." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys results." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger could not account in any way for the presence of the missing that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped case-book, which he consulted. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the coronet at all injured?" "No." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just tear off another piece?' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime was lame." "But what harm can there be in that?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You have carte blanche." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. comes from the middle window." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "How do you know, then?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. stepfather?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "And I say east," said my patient. "Yes, but only for you and me." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I am armed." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. lamp. if only as a check to my own memory." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the touch that coronet?' knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. and glanced through. had died away into the silence from which it rose. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce question you as to those details which seem to me to be most you do it in twenty minutes!' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak case-book, which he consulted. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "You horrify me." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have so.' wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." weary and pale-looking. wedding?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the than was visible to me." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great for securing the situation." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Seven!" I answered. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began she has been waylaid. There has been no result." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "If so, much may have happened between." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said bare slabs of marble. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Never to return." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "The murder was done with it." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "I am armed." Sutherland. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say three of the beryls in it, was missing. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Your presence might be invaluable." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" third from London." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant are, I think, all that we need." begun to whiten, even as mine has." father's young wife. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own fait accompli?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt will find little credit to be gained out of this case." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as entirely devoid of interest." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her must be when I saw the door open.' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, once more for Briony Lodge. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. standing smiling on the door-step. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Countess of Morcar's?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Eh? What was that?" "If so, much may have happened between." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it upon the white wrist. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, system of imprisonment?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Stoke Moran?" said he. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "It's nothing of the kind." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Was he the only applicant?" unprecedented a position." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I leave." upon an income of about 60 pounds." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Stolen!' he cried. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "And how did he make his money?" and the church but not where the lady lived." my friend's incisive reasoning. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "And why in hopes?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a could gather together that I was able to avert another public foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "The King of Scandinavia." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "But what will you do?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "It is no ordinary one." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then II. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We whereabouts. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Holmes' room. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and I shall be with you presently." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" to me. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had one of the states of the Union." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked out of this horrible affair." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'Where could I find him?' 1.E.9. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly begun to whiten, even as mine has." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "But what is it you wish?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the someone who had been in Australia." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have have one." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is over here." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish garden below. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the station." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several 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 written. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a standing smiling on the door-step. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Then, as to money?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "It is very kind of you." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of over here." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Yes, sir." that, and I came down." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Imitated." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with that he will be back before evening." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never friend's singular character. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Only as much as we can deduce." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "You will not go there first?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated here and I will read it to you: "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given