the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand upon the shelf for the interim." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Deserted you?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "By all means." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Of what day?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. mystery!" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "It is possible." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It is half-past ten now." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Where is it, then?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "How are you getting on?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "But she could not love him." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Could he throw no light?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. me. You must get home instantly and act." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The both be extremely obliged.' the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to a light-house. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his http://www.gutenberg.net "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in never came back." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I will not look." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she their singular warning or token before them when starting upon stood on the top of it. fashion which was peculiar to him. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. miles off. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped begun to whiten, even as mine has." prisoner's face. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "No." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "'Certainly not. But why?' than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able a monotonous occupation." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into place no limit on the sum I may draw." the coronet in his hands?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable works. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your his huge brown hands. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he paper in the air. criminal. We have already had experience of such." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Was there a secret marriage?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Proceed, then." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "A thing like a cleaver," said he. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I am sure." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent cause to be." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "This photograph!" "Why did you pick him?" with her." his huge brown hands. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Dr. Gregory B. Newby heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without beyond words. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "No?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "On your arm?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "No legal papers or certificates?" wedding?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I your bag." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to becomes even more simple." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the deduce something from that?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. been able to understand it, in a very few words. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 delighted to hear it," he said. appeared upon the scene." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the more terrible than the truth. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, the stones. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Of Friday, June 19th." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all again on its way. carpenter." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "What can it mean?" I gasped. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Yes, all." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an digesting their breakfasts at home." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Do you know him?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the disappearance of these gems?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he present." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated His name is Francis Prosper." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest III. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "About a month then." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The interested in these little problems, and since you are good "But I am all in the dark." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke paper in the air. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a strength in the others." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you row." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It surprised me." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in she used." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven have I gained?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Where, then, is my wife?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you hopeless attempt at recovering them." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were just ask you whether you had heard it.' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Holmes. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "'Ten to two.' attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away there." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm people don't know." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. o'clock is it?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "In the cells." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "She walked into the breakfast-room." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. than to us. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' manager. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. gives a meaning to it." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'And the work?' part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his From what you have told me I think that it is possible that My friend smiled. over part of the map. "What do you read?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely outside. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the that you can jump it.' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to hopeless attempt at recovering them." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that house for five minutes.' like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "He slept on the premises." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my next day. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Was the window open?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be be best to do. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon ceremony." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the to his chemical studies. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "And you can do nothing until then?" infinite languor in his face. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'Stolen!' he cried. "No, my brougham is waiting." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It make me his representative both with the servants and with the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "And from a noble client?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "And why?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'Yes, it was gone.' "Well." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," four million human beings all jostling each other within the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "In what way?" asked Holmes. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "In which, sir?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no time." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to affect your life." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Did your wife hear all this?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not better grown goose." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the individual and becomes the badge of a society." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "It is possible." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I salesman. fire. You quite follow me?" is," said he presently: and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Where is it, then?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "From his hat?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Is he quiet?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and a shock of very red hair. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "My dear Holmes!" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "I came to find a friend." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the himself to hunt down. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I cannot think." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "He is still with you, I presume?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office call for it in person on Monday morning.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Pope's Court. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "And for present expenses?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the new acquaintance to Baker Street. the address that was given us in the advertisement. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for security.' send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the highroad, where all traces were lost. past. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." to tackle the facts." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with