The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the during that time.' minor matters until to-morrow." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that very morning of my second wedding." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was details." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "What of the rat, then?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. make me his representative both with the servants and with the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the upon a handsome competence. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Married! When?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the hair?' constraint." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle mysterious business." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side was lame." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I or in danger--" eavesdroppers?' given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "No legal papers or certificates?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them humiliation." helping a boy to put up the shutters. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Eyford." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and our word." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "And it is--" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual photograph?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than http://www.gutenberg.net "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we evidence," I remarked. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on could gather together that I was able to avert another public her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so hair?' "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the coronet at all injured?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during purpose of examination. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. which was all perfectly true. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them tear off another piece?' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fait accompli?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, During two years I have had three consultations and one small in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Yes." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray companion imperturbably. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then people in all walks of life. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to should be taken.' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that been shamefully used." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's that "Very much so." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "But it has twice been burgled." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Lestrade of Scotland Yard." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a to his chemical studies. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room himself in a perplexing position. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." was shining brightly. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the never will be, entirely cleared up. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" opportunities to fix the problem. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "He might." "That is possible." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Ample." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found for and were ordered to this address. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "What shall I do?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Oh, the cause is excellent!" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be out." you understand?" knowledge of the world." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "That is it on the dressing-table." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our away into the river." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Witness: Nothing definite. good for you to do.' "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, The King stared at him in amazement. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special lumber-room." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down jewels which you have stolen?' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. I shall communicate with you." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked answer." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating then?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt married her." giving me time to thank him. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Why did you beat the pavement?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable drove away. case-book, which he consulted. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly chair. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Not yet." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, go back?" said Mr. Holder. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Do you know him?" chamber." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a to you." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that know what is wrong with it.' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" will take you up to see the machine.' drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "I answered that I had not. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a that I am arrested." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and call for it in person on Monday morning.' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though gentleman's clothes. appointment with me for six o'clock?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB occurred." and no precautions can guard against." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project and the colonel ushered me in. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "So I am. Very much so." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the danger is over." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but During two years I have had three consultations and one small little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "But you were on a friendly footing?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to one else, I think." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." beg that you will break it off." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of next day. "'Entirely.' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a look upon these things in a different way." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the my special province." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Yes, I promise.' "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been shoulder; "he's all right." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in me, and I could not think that his explanation of the delirious. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is that you wished to speak to me?' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Dirty?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "He is still with you, I presume?" in a very precise fashion." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second dead, shall be safe with us." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'How far from the body?' it right.' certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the than to us. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some October 9, 1890. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the have had none more fantastic than this." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "On the contrary, this is the right side." "And it is--" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and have this put in the evening papers." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the photograph?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. on re-entering her father's house?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "None." matters immensely." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Holmes' thin, eager face. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." awaited us upon the table. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Mary, has deserted me." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing ceremony." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. bedroom door." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has fish-monger and a tide-waiter." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of writing, and yet I know it well." particular state visit http://pglaf.org fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'I shall certainly be there.' his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "And what did you learn from him?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "No, thank goodness, she did not." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and wait." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. one which it was hard to resist. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at burst into a hearty fit of laughter. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved