"Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I am about to be married." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all would apply.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I don't believe it." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not do." what do you think they found in the pockets?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and the church but not where the lady lived." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Your presence might be invaluable." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and than to us. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his signal between you and your father? "I will try. What is it?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding point in the dark hollow of his hand. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "But it has twice been burgled." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "When did it break out?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'Yes, sir.' o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him neither fascinating nor artistic." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable hopeless attempt at recovering them." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I second." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'Entirely.' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over exactly what you advise." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I it. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire cigars in their mouths. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** III. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "We were both in the photograph." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "May I see it?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "'I shall certainly be there.' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I cannot imagine." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but visitors." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "No." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from manager. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I showing my impatience. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "That also I could fathom." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "But how?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind mystery." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' three fields round his house, and there he would take his the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "You'll never persuade me to believe that." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was cigars in their mouths. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Serpentine Avenue. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Miss Holder?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "ARAT," I read. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Breckinridge is his name." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "None." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Oh, fresh and glossy." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute But Holmes shook his head gravely. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I ashen face. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is gone. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards figure." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email depend upon your compliance." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a late." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional presume?" your only hope of safety." status with the IRS. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about felt the room to be a little close.' "And when will you call?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution other lovers by making love himself." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of own family. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white might help us?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry notes," he said. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, villagers almost as much as their master. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER in darkness. "He said too much." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court against a man in the prime of life?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent tell him that I know him to be innocent." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for it were putty." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. deduce something from that?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was you found me to-night--and running through the front room she should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is clanging. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'Certainly not.' present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front all that?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the future lives." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, morning." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "The decline of his fortunes, then?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her hurried by. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something was already answered. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Dark enough and sinister enough." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! of a light. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my window when the police appeared." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I guessed as much." from the brougham. "So I am. Very much so." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" suddenly upon us." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do simple cases which are so extremely difficult." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Entirely." through." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that The telegram which we eventually received came late one night gone. I was concerned in it." allusion to a rat. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "An accident, I presume?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to about. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate all that?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' like that before?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of a good hundred miles off by now." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on The note was undated, and without either signature or address. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the evidence," I remarked. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could she to prove their authenticity?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the little opening for the ventilator is." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Her father is very rich?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on vague figure huddled up in the darkness. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Yes, sir.' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" floor. "You horrify me!" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled keep the flames under. woman." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "So I am. Very much so." carried out of court." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts is now desirous of getting those letters back." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most just ask you whether you had heard it.' admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Yes." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these that there was nothing in it, after all." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "'Where could I find him?' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation and all of them with the keenest interest. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "My Mary? Impossible!" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. to-night?" I asked. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door presented which may be striking and bizarre without being time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had silent! Oh, he will be silent!' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" in his hands." nice household for a young lady." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. there has been an enclosure here!" tell them apart.' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was to that open window." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose astonishment. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler that he has suffered." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Nothing?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "At half-wages, in fact." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "In the cells." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as third from London." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Murdered?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "10th. John Swain cleared. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He you." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of to arrive at through this?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "She showed me, as I told you she would." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "An accident, I presume?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something like gravel from a pit.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' suddenly upon us." closely." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this My friend smiled. nice household for a young lady." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the coronet in his hands?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you taking in every detail of the apartment. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial like that before?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Will you bet, then?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Never to return." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Have you good authority for what you say?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that details." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, your sleep?' It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had learned something! Where are the gems?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past figure."