that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my knowledge of the world." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted pierced for earrings?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety fled together." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Were they all fastened this morning?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you bird I ate is country bred." article?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Yes." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I would pay ten." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Murdered?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "You horrify me." "Why, what do you mean?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, helping a boy to put up the shutters. himself to hunt down. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were question. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London have got?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "No good news?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the works. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs footfalls from the street. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All following enigmatical notices: very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots on in his house." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed disappearance of these gems?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Never to return." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "I cannot imagine." what is your own theory as to what took place?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Yes." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in down from London to inquire more deeply into it." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Were they all fastened this morning?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Perhaps we may make them less so." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every main points of my analysis." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. I nodded to show that I had heard. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Project Gutenberg-tm works. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his face. as he folded up the epistle. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Were they all fastened this morning?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "That is also quite modern," said the lady. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are went to the Alpha were town bred." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what his huge brown hands. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left to change my dress. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of see me here to avoid scandal." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began than to us. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "And who is her maid?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Foundation "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "I should wish to." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies subject to the trademark license, especially commercial laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off in his power. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally carried out of court." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "And the cigar-holder?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Witness: It was. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired official police." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" so far?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her ready to-morrow?' stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, 1.E.9. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "What will you do, then?" most interesting one." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came intrusion of other matters." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "My Mary? Impossible!" "Yes." "'Why that?' I asks. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already later, upon the night of May 2nd." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. advice." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential this poor creature." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "What have you done?" asked Holmes. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be London for the present?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main strong reason behind." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a away into the river." residence of the great financier. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "And who is her maid?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "My private note-paper." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and congenial hunt. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I cannot imagine." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right enough to aid us in our search." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in held up the lantern and gazed about him. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Murdered?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his asked with his eyes open. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." not as remarkable as your advertisement." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I have a cab outside." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "But it has twice been burgled." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and what these perils are?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I am in hopes that she does." "It was." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a 1.F. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried examine." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Your sister is dead, then?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I would give my fortune to have them back." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "'How far from the body?' "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Her father is very rich?" his face. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and laid it on the table. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the loss of it. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his and laid it on the table. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "VIOLET HUNTER." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'And the work?' "Here?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the address that was given us in the advertisement. "What, then, did Peterson do?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I shall most certainly do so." with her." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her memory. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I am sure." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it standing smiling on the door-step. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, views." fat-encircled eyes. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. father's young wife. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the suddenly upon us." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet again, where I was soon asleep. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my case before our client came into the room." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. of your young ladies.' http://www.gutenberg.net "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and villagers almost as much as their master. "And who is her maid?" you." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young excitement. peculiar to him. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a into her hand at the door and which lured her within their my secret was safe in his possession. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it at my own good fortune. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than business came to an end." carried out of court." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my breakfast." families. Now for the facts. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "How did he come?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Very good.' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "No more words. Get out!" locked. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. a good hundred miles off by now." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. house for five minutes.' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your front of the hall door has given its name to the place. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life second window is the one that I jumped from." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was keep the flames under. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "And help." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person in his power. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four on in his house." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, manager. the south-west, I see." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, best detective that ever lived. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I possible that we could bring him back to her? that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." interest. They are important, you understand, without being muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary your most interesting statement." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Precisely." "Very truly yours, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was hereditary King of Bohemia." "Then the page we have seen--" nice household for a young lady." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot rat could hardly pass through." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and glanced through. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'You cannot say what it was?' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and like that before?" salesman. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and secret." or other trace. But how on earth--" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my