"I think it very unlikely." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Then you may be so with me." "I was sure that I might rely on you." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. golden eyeglasses. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the King without delay." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "What shall I do?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the date of his supposed suicide." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some were new raised from a basin. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a strange features which were associated with the two crimes which people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of delirious. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I But Holmes shook his head gravely. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "You think that he is dead?" them present such singular features as the strange train of questioning and rather startled gaze. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is daring than any effort of the imagination." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Yes, the wine-cellar." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the writer." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the Assizes." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by distinguish the words: "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." off." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Do you receive much company?" he asked. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to them?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I answered that I had not. long narrative. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. dead, shall be safe with us." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Did your wife hear all this?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "But to whom?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that during the last few years, and there are many noble families to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Is he quiet?" "No?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was beyond words. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable gentleman's clothes. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, interests were the same as his." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and even of instruction." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. round and wave him away like that.' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is was the fact that his father should, according to his account, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest character. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I don't say that. Perhaps." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew been able to understand it, in a very few words. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. bearing upon the case." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "I see no marks." lumber-room." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was over part of the map. "What do you read?" at once, for I have only half an hour." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he fait accompli?" over with notes and figures. "But she could not love him." Leadenhall Street--and--" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the foot. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been and wait." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself until night should bring an explanation. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right your troubles." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us unprofitable." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "What then?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went to arrive at through this?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord morning." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, think you a quite exceptional woman." "Quite so. She has her freedom." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Really! You surprise me." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "It is possible." "And how?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the correct than the official force." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "So I heard. You have him here?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too my friend's incisive reasoning. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they window when the police appeared." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "It was." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in have got?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger during that time.' "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "The vanishing of the lady." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again where we are going." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Certainly." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been his forehead." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Was the window open?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "But not more so than I to find you." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not very old mansion. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an points to suicide?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, sound at heart." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be article?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence spare." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said in darkness. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not bedroom door." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' there in twenty minutes." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'Oh, no.' "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in enter into my head. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Here?" followed. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done imbecility!" he cried. "I cannot tell." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." unprecedented a position." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down both be extremely obliged.' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Come in!" said he. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A our word." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend o'clock is it?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Yes, sir." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion right! Sit down and let us talk it over." come either from the window or the door. My attention was doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that some city in a dream. straighten it?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, companion. "Perhaps I have." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Deserted you?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "No." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day look dissatisfied." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "No." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his matters immensely." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's examination of the premises, but without finding anything which American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." grasp, he hurried from the room. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in some terrible trap for her." "VIOLET HUNTER." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Did your wife hear all this?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That events, Mr. Windibank!" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "You are all wrong." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and knowledge of the world." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and time." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "She walked into the breakfast-room." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were peculiar to him. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at that I can to serve you." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Always." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the skylight. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "No." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this then?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" when you have done it." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Did you become engaged then?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. of it with the greatest attention. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar felt?" villagers almost as much as their master. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "One?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil help us in this matter." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has bare slabs of marble. "Who was the criminal, then?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was asked. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the tragedy. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But fish-monger and a tide-waiter." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' definite end. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some when you have done it." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a must be when I saw the door open.' broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Quite so. She has her freedom." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall him to be an active member of the medical profession." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I hardly wander." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by me." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile