had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this notes," he said. floor. a good hundred miles off by now." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Literary Archive Foundation in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "He is dead," cried several voices. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Perfectly so." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come article?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I am armed." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has returning from some small jollification and was making his way My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." one which it was hard to resist. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Pool. "And on what day did he meet his death?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, wanted for ourselves." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Where could I find him?' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Yes, sir." you do it in twenty minutes!' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had heavy and sharp instrument." "May I see it?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Breckinridge is his name." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all letters?" kind enough to tell me what I should do." which was all perfectly true. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to lips." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the coronet in his hands?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass started for the Temple to see my husband. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was for its centre. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention always that they were such commands as a lady might with flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the dangers which encompass me." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I will get her to show me." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and lost his Christmas dinner." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a nights." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "What then?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'Certainly not. But why?' keep the flames under. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should in this note: come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come visitors." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "She walked into the breakfast-room." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which My friend smiled. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed tightly behind him. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "And who is her maid?" burst out into a roar of laughter. do.' was a perfect sample of the class. "Yes, I have one waiting." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and to arrive at through this?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three me, and I could not think that his explanation of the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen delirious. your only hope of safety." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is detective. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing have been better. It is all right." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught was a loud and authoritative tap. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime a room. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in think that any burglar could have done. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray beg that you will break it off." closely." than was visible to me." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been room. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the hair?' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who with the outside air!" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "No legal papers or certificates?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his minor matters until to-morrow." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Witness: I must still refuse. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. fire. You quite follow me?" night.' said he. know what is wrong with it.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of not come at once?" depend upon your compliance." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the gone. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled not within a twentieth part of the market price." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action outside." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever miles off. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his which we had just quitted. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "I was certainly surprised to find you there." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss asked. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "This photograph!" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were for its centre. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for to you." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "One of his hands." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "In the cells." cigars in the box." habit of advancing money.' as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the other means.' "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning your billet.' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, touch that coronet?' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" made him keep the appointment." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I then?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Nothing." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I mystery!" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "But he might be a bachelor." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than asked with his eyes open. at once, for I have only half an hour." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project so.' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a sneer upon his pale face. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not villagers almost as much as their master. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real touch that coronet?' blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Certainly." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in young Openshaw's." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and interest. They are important, you understand, without being which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small nothing of it?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty out of this horrible affair." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the address that was given us in the advertisement. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the mystery!" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to learned something! Where are the gems?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'Certainly,' I answered. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known your billet.' the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his carried out of court." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. not as remarkable as your advertisement." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate some terrible trap for her." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and tear off another piece?' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "What?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some clanging. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "But I have heard all that you have heard." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing front of me. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It is solved." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Gutenberg-tm License. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson is four-and-twenty." "It is a murder, then?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes him to go away.' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "That is unusual in a young girl." that you can jump it.' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" these bleak autumnal evenings." "'Why that?' I asks. "Proceed, then." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I have seen the police." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "On the contrary, this is the right side." "What! a murderous attack?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, I was concerned in it." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." little adventures." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Tired-looking or fresh?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "And how did you find out?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep our word." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his than to us. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "I should wish to." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." as he folded up the epistle. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "She told me to ask you." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate wedding?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "About a month then." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the business in the City. She little knew what. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "What will you do, then?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Certainly." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your details should find their way into the papers. Inspector plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! he died? settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Proceed, then." "None. Neville wrote those words." Street. excitement. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of nonsense.' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he coat-tails." his wife has ceased to love him." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "I do." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "We have tried and failed." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "None." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after system of imprisonment?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "An enemy?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless