late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night lost his Christmas dinner." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went had this final quarrel? have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those that I am arrested." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his where she found matters as described by the last witness. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low of receipt of the work. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I call the police, let the police find what they can.' return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Very murderous indeed." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'Oh, no.' step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small down from London to inquire more deeply into it." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City away into the river." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some of the way of danger. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Sholtos." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Yes, he did." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, him!" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered not as remarkable as your advertisement." child?' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the unkempt, staring out at me. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all for the market.' rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "That is possible." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years behind me. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond humiliation." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Certainly." his knees, staring into the fire. other means.' the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom criminal. We have already had experience of such." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" breakfast?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project him and tried to hold him back. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own evidence," I remarked. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by events, Mr. Windibank!" observed. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the King without delay." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Have you her photograph?" "You have a clue?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the room while you explain this matter?" notes," he said. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how which was all perfectly true. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried bonnet, and went out." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "But you can know nothing of this?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until certainly not very gracious." to-night?" I asked. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. tell him that I know him to be innocent." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we himself. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my giving me time to thank him. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "So I have heard." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" way in." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an your room." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Because he was handy and would come cheap." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Pray do so." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid certainly not very gracious." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he what do you think they found in the pockets?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to you give your casting vote to?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'What, the red-headed man?' prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been was keenly on my guard against him. that you can jump it.' Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "And the murderer?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Eh? What was that?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and overpowering excitement and concern. leaning back in his chair. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he opened the door, and slipped through. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but man. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which works. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and way: little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Pray let us have it, for all that." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "I say that I have solved it." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my least a fellow-countryman. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." it. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest distance from the station, and there we found the young lady noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "No. His orders were to stay in the house." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight used to be." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. felt the room to be a little close.' and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Ha! you find it so?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend as the one I chose?' handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the depend upon your compliance." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It him. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I have hopes." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "My private note-paper." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "I fear not." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for questionable one." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to looking up at the numbers of the houses." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "'Ten to two.' locked." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for and effective." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. occurred." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from past. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'It is locked up,' I answered. gigantic client. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads woman who has had her own way to make in the world. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency way in everything. "'Ample.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in more terrible than the truth. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the coronet at all injured?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you did not hear it also.' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "And when will you call?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Then you may be so with me." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told States. "So I have heard." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I say it is." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "That is it on the dressing-table." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer appeared upon the scene." a good hundred miles off by now." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "No. What a strange idea!" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a becomes even more simple." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to fear." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I will, Miss Turner." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Thank you. And your address?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with on in his house." felt?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "One of the highest in England." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." something of him before." "So it appears." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Eyford." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little I shall communicate with you." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." was it brought him the coronet? "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire compunction about shooting them down." "Perhaps I have." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little giving me time to thank him. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all triumphant cloud from his cigarette. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good forecastle of an emigrant ship. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "No, thank goodness, she did not." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? row." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I should be immensely obliged to you." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "An enemy?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and it need not interfere very much with one's other "And Miss Sutherland?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not directly by questioning you." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Then I shall certainly come." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the bed, and you in that chair." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in way in." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. jewels which you have stolen?' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from it were putty." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "But how did you gain them?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It is solved." "Yes." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" just called myself is not exactly my own." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Certainly, madam." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and