"The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under read over the extraordinary announcement. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the one as in the other." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which stalked out of the room. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "That's no good." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "It is very kind of you." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "There is the writing." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "But his lameness?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "His face fell immediately. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "No, but the enclosure is." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and hurried away. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence get her out of the way." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. girl said." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my of fine shops and stately business premises that they really my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Street. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Then, as to money?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "None." of this gang." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. intrusion of other matters." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at my secret was safe in his possession. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "She walked into the breakfast-room." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and capable of preserving a secret.' public press." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I see no marks." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our nonsense.' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "And is that all?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old way: he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "My last client of the sort was a king." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the should be taken.' the bed, and you in that chair." "'Ample.' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the inquest, and which are worth considering." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "What then?" are windows in it, of course?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something was used.' "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he his wife has ceased to love him." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit cheerful." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "You don't mind breaking the law?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." I have it here in my museum." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action more solid." you do it in twenty minutes!' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'Where could I find him?' "He said that you could solve anything." when you have done it." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my particular state visit http://pglaf.org have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "What is it?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each away into the river." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I future lives." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for will be renamed. "'Never.' then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little been lifted and conveyed somewhere." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "That was it, sir." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize through." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of entirely devoid of interest." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his really the only notable feature about the thing." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I know where it is." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the such person." "It is no ordinary one." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom there when the Rucastles went away." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Then I am your man." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a south, for the country is more deserted there." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six know all about it," he snarled. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "My dear Holmes!" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and words came to my lips. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Where, then?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Farm upon the left." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Of what day?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" letters?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be my special province." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon there were so many in the whole country as were brought together have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said interests were the same as his." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Arthur Conan Doyle "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and But Holmes shook his head gravely. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, over here." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the very morning of the wedding." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." if she died from some sudden fright." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." as he folded up the epistle. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their or other trace. But how on earth--" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "A thing like a cleaver," said he. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is garden below. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. it." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Serpentine Avenue. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the your sleep?' makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Very much so." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "What shall I do?" you." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Then I do not see the point." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from speckled band?" prepare for the new role I have to play." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the would apply.' the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Yes, there are nearly always some there." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "You know me, then?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "At what time?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were learned something! Where are the gems?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Why, what do you mean?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with to arrive at through this?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the highroad, where all traces were lost. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, good-night and bustled off upon her way. will not take me long to tell. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just her also." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of chance." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack delighted to hear it," he said. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking past. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the help us in this matter." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony The events in question occurred in the early days of my had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Certainly." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became tear off another piece?' Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Upon what point?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can when your master had gone out." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change awaited us upon the table. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "I say it is." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right are, and they are waiting for us." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "From his hat?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the bedroom door." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and his wife has ceased to love him." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known straightened it out again. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it there is a decided draught." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "But how?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "But how?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "He might." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining on re-entering her father's house?" "Where is it, then?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we shaken than I had ever seen him. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had over with notes and figures. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "No?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others may never be exposed to such a temptation." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' neither fascinating nor artistic." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Did you observe the colour?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Perhaps we may make them less so." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Nearly eleven." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the night.' said he. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the driver. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a was keenly on my guard against him. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." peculiar to him. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at used to be." dramatic, in fact." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and be sorry for having acted so harshly." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "He said too much." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms clang of the bell. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Your presence might be invaluable." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Yesterday." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the like gravel from a pit.' "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates strong and stiff." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Then, how do you know?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the some water from a caraffe. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I test if we have an answer to our advertisement." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that the gas is not laid on in his house?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were