suspect him." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "What are they?" must compliment you." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who presented which may be striking and bizarre without being upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp hard-headed British jury." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the other means.' "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the from the brougham. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what a good hundred miles off by now." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "That sounds a little paradoxical." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Precisely." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the tragedy. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary comes from the middle window." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Yes." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of for its centre. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "At half-wages, in fact." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "And how did you verify them?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless wife's character?" digesting their breakfasts at home." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "No. His orders were to stay in the house." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary fashion which was peculiar to him. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a tightly behind him. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Pray be precise as to details," said he. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and we went to search for him, face downward in a little and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "My dear Holmes!" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." father's young wife. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Not social, then?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "You forget that I know nothing about it." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, indeed happy." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Yes." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders use an arc-and-compass breastpin." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Witness: I must still refuse. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'Very good.' enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "We were both in the photograph." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "And why in hopes?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room business." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Is he quiet?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "It is half-past ten now." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "So I am. Very much so." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Yes, sir." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "She told me to ask you." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" matter." gives a meaning to it." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," bare slabs of marble. distinguish the words: wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge into her hand at the door and which lured her within their defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much time." have an American origin." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Nothing." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "You are hungry," I remarked. to a more successful conclusion." "Then I shall certainly come." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." during which he might have communicated with his friend the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it But Holmes shook his head gravely. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Farm upon the left." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at second window is the one that I jumped from." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of highly," said Holmes. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "The vanishing of the lady." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Was the window open?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a burst out into a roar of laughter. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "By no means." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But became a certainty. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Upon what point?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "What will you say?" tied." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "You horrify me!" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, problems help me to do so." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Then what has happened to him?" window when the police appeared." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "It is very clear." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Was there a secret marriage?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, entirely devoid of interest." "I guessed as much." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the crowd. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when think you a quite exceptional woman." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Dr. Becher's." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from unkempt, staring out at me. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in business." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Frequently." you for a few hours?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Where does the thing come from?' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Proceed, then." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I to take care of herself." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I will not look." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his his forehead." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "What will you do, then?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was developed." III. "My dear Holmes!" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and it." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed open." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Lee, in the county of Kent." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight hopeless attempt at recovering them." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab subject to the trademark license, especially commercial so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece open." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to done what I asked you, Jones?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature have been better. It is all right." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "But how did you gain them?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Always." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of undoubtedly my uncle's." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the fishes. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very suddenly upon us." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. there is a decided draught." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project to affect your life." "That is possible." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Just look it up, then." "It is true that I have been generally successful." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest some place of shelter and let the county police know what has you." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across point our research must commence, and we will begin it by informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not stalked out of the room. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. tension within him. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. of it with the greatest attention. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to train.' turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "In the cells." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this cigars in their mouths. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Breckinridge is his name." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "It was." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our other means.' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was she to prove their authenticity?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save opened a pocket-book and took out a note. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve trifles." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet man. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." whether it answered to the description of any of their "Witness: It was. what is your own theory as to what took place?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "'Ten to two.' no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent posted to-day." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed which it had come upon my father." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had away into the river." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a this remarkable episode. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "No, but the enclosure is." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Yes." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, go--none." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Yes, it was twisted." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An to tell." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Yes, I promise.' "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "He slept on the premises." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the bottom.' down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative even of instruction." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words