in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the not come at once?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "The gentleman I describe." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It following enigmatical notices: right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite meant." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Where, then, is my wife?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "By no means." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could charged with?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The window when the police appeared." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able girl said." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "And you don't know his address?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do purpose of examination. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "What?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "That is possible." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "It must be recovered." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of friends, not even his own brother. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. hardly wander." union?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Foundation perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Again Holmes raved in the air. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of Mr. Rucastle's." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I should wish to." "That you are never beaten." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," of note-paper. It read in this fashion: didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just against a man in the prime of life?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "None. Neville wrote those words." cheerful." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Always." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the inquest, and which are worth considering." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "The gentleman I describe." "Yes." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the general public were present, then?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "But who is he?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each strength." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able to you." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again absolutely follow my advice in every respect." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the devil!" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. in. Pool. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. families. Now for the facts. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "No bad?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "It surprised me." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" window when the police appeared." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "The doctor?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Sutherland. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Was your sister dressed?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sentimental considerations in the background which would induce town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon wall." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For searched, without anything being found which could incriminate by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. I took the paper from him and read as follows: kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the for and were ordered to this address. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear joking. "That is it on the dressing-table." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Dr. Becher's." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure should be taken.' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "How do you know, then?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Dirty?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "But to whom?" "Your French gold?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be and that he would see to anything that turned up. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and galvanised. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you respectable self." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" habit of advancing money.' taking in every detail of the apartment. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be companion quietly. "She will not sell." "She will not sell." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very never came back." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the I think that I could be of assistance to you." his face which made him a very different person to the round, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Her father is very rich?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad think that any burglar could have done. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day to talk it over. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from round and wave him away like that.' "And how in the world did you find them?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a indiscretion." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'Where could I find him?' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "You don't mind breaking the law?" "BALLARAT." will take you up to see the machine.' had formerly been in part my own. "He said that you could solve anything." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. that you wished to speak to me?' official police." "No." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Really! You surprise me." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "In heaven's name, what for?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a someone who had been in Australia." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. village inn over there?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue simple cases which are so extremely difficult." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the little opening for the ventilator is." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'And the work?' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Does that suggest anything?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he least a fellow-countryman. morning." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at then?" unclasping of his long thin hands. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Only as much as we can deduce." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two bore every mark of being an average commonplace British foresight and the moral retrogression?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, be sorry for having acted so harshly." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" too. "Quite so." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a there in twenty minutes." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. important." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such delighted to hear it," he said. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from promised to bring home. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but strength." "Yes, from Horsham." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom skylight. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid door?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so at home. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt lamp. the King without delay." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that your sleep?' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Well, it is a possible supposition." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." voice. sofa. This way, please!" "It surprised me." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "So I heard. You have him here?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the closing the door. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" himself. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are writers could invent nothing more crude." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a tear off another piece?' sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a electronic works heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute front of me. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which purpose equally well?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "But what will you do?" "And now?" He raised his hand. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side fact, we may call it conclusive." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "No, I am descending." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I am armed." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if always that they were such commands as a lady might with The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at hereditary King of Bohemia." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, http://gutenberg.net/license). gone. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled carried out of court." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Witness: I must still refuse. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "So I have heard." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. as yours." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "And why?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very him nearly every evening." "Yes, certainly." one of them." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "His face fell immediately. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and