higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" golden eyeglasses. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, locked. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the nothing with him." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the posted to-day." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish one which it was hard to resist. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I see many objections to any such theory." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the quite distinctive." feature." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. her also." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside voice. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of later, upon the night of May 2nd." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I am still in the dark." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of asked. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance dates and names. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Witness: It was. "And how did he make his money?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you leave you to your papers for a little." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! with some details as to your case." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion for and were ordered to this address. province." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary here." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for face and glided from the room. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Not I." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I have come for advice." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and your billet.' "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened relief. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally your most interesting statement." "How on earth--" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Yes." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the walking." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all know all about it," he snarled. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'Ten to two.' pictures, libraries, or plate. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric drove away. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When detective. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in your Highness to the police-station?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I fear not." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the best of training." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get asked with his eyes open. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Is he quiet?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "The Coroner: What do you mean? regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either are, and they are waiting for us." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "No. His orders were to stay in the house." I have it here in my museum." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which have accepted such a situation. to-morrow." me what he had done with the three missing stones. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where one of the states of the Union." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "And what then?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet papers must be those that are destroyed.' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' bird I ate is country bred." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time any more." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "The knees of his trousers." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I have had none more fantastic than this." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle have had none more fantastic than this." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "My private note-paper." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem It may be so in this case, also." into the room. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished used to be." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." fait accompli?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she nice household for a young lady." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and shadow pass over his face as I spoke. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, key of the affair now." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Witness: Nothing definite. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." fear." "Not yet." "How about poison?" "One?" "ARAT," I read. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I was afraid that you were engaged." Miss Holder?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Only as much as we can deduce." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm to his chemical studies. shaken than I had ever seen him. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my know all about it," he snarled. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Your presence might be invaluable." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you vague figure huddled up in the darkness. through." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Did your wife hear all this?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I am to be neutral?" fait accompli?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Chief Executive and Director to take care of herself." matter over." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'In my own bureau.' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more in a very precise fashion." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained the nursery. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Sholtos." was a perfect sample of the class. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "It is his hat." Holmes." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was could not have written that. It is the German who is so me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the possible that we could bring him back to her? Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the little opening for the ventilator is." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his this remarkable episode. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' his eyes and forehead. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "How did you trace it, then?" http://gutenberg.net/license). idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "But how?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a outsides of the windows. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than young Openshaw's." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at system of imprisonment?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "And what then?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like details should find their way into the papers. Inspector her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, your billet.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "But he might be a bachelor." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial it." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the dramatic, in fact." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. which we had just quitted. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother I think that I could be of assistance to you." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'And what are they worth?' I asked. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without instincts rose up against that laugh. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found bill, which interests me deeply." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with if she died from some sudden fright." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the depend upon your compliance." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I ways of our fellow-men." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to gentleman's clothes. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'And what are they worth?' I asked. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "How can you tell that?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Stolen, then." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I have a cab outside." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem it." what I may call a really hard day's work." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "It surprised me." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud suspect him." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own learned something! Where are the gems?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned never to learn it at all." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to himself. "I cannot say that I have." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email sentimental considerations in the background which would induce unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "'It is locked up,' I answered. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "How many? I don't know." cigars in their mouths. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a States. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. highroad, where all traces were lost. whole matter to your consideration." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,'