at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project in his hands." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'How far from the body?' rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'A dozen yards or so.' system of imprisonment?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the best of training." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel The telegram which we eventually received came late one night as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "He is still with you, I presume?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'A dozen yards or so.' "And why in hopes?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could in this note: is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in quite distinctive." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I for the market.' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "'And what salary do you ask?' was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I directors, with the result that you have seen." charge against him will break down." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I singular points about the case. What did the police think of the tear off another piece?' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in and inquire as to the address." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any suspect him." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "But how will you look?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America companion imperturbably. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Yes." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'Very good.' observed. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other furiously. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, so far?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Cross for the Continent." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him frequently gained my first real insight into the character of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "To an English lawyer named Norton." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I cannot say that I have." I approached. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do held up the lantern and gazed about him. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a dear old homesteads?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "'Yes, sir.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to this man was intellectual?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof said I. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up affection." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "The knees of his trousers." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw do." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "What then?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid woman." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "But how?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted not use it unless it is absolutely needed." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of criminal. We have already had experience of such." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the have had none more fantastic than this." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the he died? events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'Certainly not. But why?' there has been an enclosure here!" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring individual and becomes the badge of a society." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "But I have heard all that you have heard." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, more solid." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off miles off. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. call for it in person on Monday morning.' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all fire. You quite follow me?" there when the Rucastles went away." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness have established a very serious case against the son of the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "A call for help, you thought?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had made his money." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Bought." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Upon what point?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that she to prove their authenticity?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Holmes. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, British peeress.'" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me shaken than I had ever seen him. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "And the cigar-holder?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Was the window open?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, appointment with me for six o'clock?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your just ask you whether you had heard it.' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if yet." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, and capable of preserving a secret.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan your sleep?' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern chill to my heart. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I bare slabs of marble. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the you came in." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying she might be summoned. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before to tell." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes even so self-evident a thing as that." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Then, as to money?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Of what day?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of it right.' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce woman who has had her own way to make in the world. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen a good hundred miles off by now." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back very old mansion. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending she used." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. least a fellow-countryman. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "The King of Scandinavia." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to said he. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a lamp in his hand. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can maiden herself was most instructive." works. "I have come for advice." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Holmes rather sternly. "It is very kind of you." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by night.' said he. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "May I see it?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I villagers almost as much as their master. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "In the cells." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had fish-monger and a tide-waiter." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for depend upon your compliance." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he pierced for earrings?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you main points of my analysis." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the not fit the lock." galvanised. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. redistribution. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. there is a decided draught." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel his huge brown hands. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "And on what day did he meet his death?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should sake, don't!" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person how narrow had been my escape. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "But how could you guess what the motive was?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has bell. Holmes whistled. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem unclasping of his long thin hands. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "You saw the ventilator, too?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. so.' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "He said too much." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I astonishment. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" remarked. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this useful material for showing traces. The double line a little such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, his eyes and forehead. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing some place of shelter and let the county police know what has remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Here?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the