prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." morning." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his fled together." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that into her hand at the door and which lured her within their When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "And why?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "He said too much." passage and a tap at the door. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this This is what he says: "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have this unhappy family?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He of." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael 'I should be able to look after that for you.' taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "How can you tell that?" rat could hardly pass through." point in the dark hollow of his hand. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the so-precious time, but come!' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a compunction about shooting them down." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I his face which made him a very different person to the round, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Mary, has deserted me." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what possible that we could bring him back to her? continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "I shall most certainly do so." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that I was concerned in it." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his should be taken.' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out in my life." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has colour had been driven from his face. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would his grey eyes. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." where we are going." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes down from London to inquire more deeply into it." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a congratulate you again." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the States. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else are, I think, all that we need." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in it? Did I buy the geese off you?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no present." distinguish the words: and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "We must have a cab." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "But how did you gain them?" carriage. It was a chestnut." directors, with the result that you have seen." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Breckinridge is his name." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly husband's writing, madam." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, flock.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "And for present expenses?" whereabouts. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social call it cruel." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the questionable one." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you bears upon the case?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It been deceived." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was your sleep?' least a fellow-countryman. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man at once, for I have only half an hour." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to Leatherhead. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when time." locked. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the stable lane now." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The secret." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his should be so warm over such a trifle." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the remarked. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that http://gutenberg.net/license). from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The there when the Rucastles went away." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "How often?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though throat." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon is entirely a question of barometric pressure." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to this as likely?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which away into the river." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. London for the present?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that more terrible than the truth. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the Assizes." the address that was given us in the advertisement. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Witness: I must still refuse. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Eyford at 11:15.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could became a certainty. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "It is half-past ten now." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and goes." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Nothing." "Then you may be so with me." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the yourselves in at night?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a stammered. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley awaited us upon the table. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his photograph?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted which we had just quitted. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." rose-bushes. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "One of his hands." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend few hundred pounds.' luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in me upon any point which I do not make clear." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on excitement. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" allusion to a rat. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "That's no good." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend woman." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Why serious?" License. You must require such a user to return or that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as hour?' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to interests were the same as his." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, chill to my heart. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily it with his own hands." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front bearing upon the case." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, London for the present?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "He might." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Yes, at the mines." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable used to be." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both The summons was a brief and urgent one. "It certainly sounds feasible." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my II. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I am in hopes that she does." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present did not hear it also.' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who breakfast and whispered something to her husband. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I tapping his fingers upon the table. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "But what is it you wish?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind noting anything else of interest. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case be best to do. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. carried out of court." as this. Pray let me have the details." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time But Holmes shook his head gravely. most interesting one." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Very truly yours, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "You were travelling in the States?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently chamber." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing manager. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose again." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a bird of prey. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "What!" he roared. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Witness: I must still refuse. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my