"At half-wages, in fact." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way a monotonous occupation." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Here?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I national property. I was determined that the law should have its however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland made his money." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and it need not interfere very much with one's other your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to putting in the horse. page at http://pglaf.org the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the so-precious time, but come!' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining see me here to avoid scandal." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "By all means." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple very old mansion. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. stalked out of the room. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong DISSOLVED. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return was a lad." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I think that it is very probable." "If I can be of use." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. confronted him. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the my friend's incisive reasoning. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will more solid." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" carpenter." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'Is purely nominal.' client, rising. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' secret." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Nothing?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Certainly." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "None. Neville wrote those words." foresight and the moral retrogression?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." undoubtedly my uncle's." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." people in all walks of life. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "No bad?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an wanted for ourselves." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his questioning and rather startled gaze. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "VIOLET HUNTER." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Then, how do you know?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "That is it on the dressing-table." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Eyford." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was about. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "How on earth--" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be papers on the sundial.'" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any call for it in person on Monday morning.' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm that there was nothing in it, after all." "Oh, fresh and glossy." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the waste of energy." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "It was a confession," I ejaculated. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I will, Miss Turner." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, row." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the come either from the window or the door. My attention was Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove that?' you?" condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I will not look." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "You heard nothing yourself last night?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and chamber." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled morning." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Yes, but only for you and me." Dr. Gregory B. Newby reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is head. So long, then!" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by that?' diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was your Highness to the police-station?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "But how?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the absorbing." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet giving me time to thank him. key turn in the lock." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will I am not easy in my mind about them." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the people in all walks of life. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed I nodded to show that I had heard. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ placed his cuttings. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all helping a boy to put up the shutters. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel signal between you and your father? with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "But how?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and indiscretion." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended that you can jump it.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Yes." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "On your arm?" "Yes, but only for you and me." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" strong reason behind." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "I am all attention, madam." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "It is his hat." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Certainly not. But why?' "You think that he is dead?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Arthur Conan Doyle this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he in your London, you will know that the office of the company is your troubles." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of wife's character?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Street. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of." where she found matters as described by the last witness. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of furiously. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "I cannot say that I have." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the night.' "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" through." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare fear." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by all?" done what I asked you, Jones?" discontent upon his features. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'And the work?' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "But what harm can there be in that?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and new duties?' habit of advancing money.' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall in this note: unprecedented a position." Gutenberg-tm License. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as gigantic client. kind enough to tell me what I should do." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Your presence might be invaluable." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them over his head with a sweet womanly caress. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "And what did you see?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a down. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "So it appears." him to be an active member of the medical profession." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked in a very precise fashion." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so who was a member of your goose club." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the bed, and you in that chair." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with to affect your life." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Thank you. And your address?" fashion which was peculiar to him. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a was shining brightly. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "My own seal." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she gone before you can get him to hospital." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'Yes.' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the matter." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and I shall be with you presently." "What I expected to see." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "And now?" I asked. digesting their breakfasts at home." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Game for a morning drive?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' mysterious business." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation http://www.gutenberg.net unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. weary and pale-looking. "And why?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of