6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." fled together." "It is his hat." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was beyond words. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather heavy and sharp instrument." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for do.' fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have carried out of court." be sorry for having acted so harshly." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium that there was nothing in it, after all." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she note?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax morning." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. occupations.' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Then, how do you know?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which business in the City. She little knew what. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in some water from a caraffe. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'Quite sure, dad.' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the warnings." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "None." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the general public were present, then?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. III. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain bore every mark of being an average commonplace British town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main society." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural approach us with offers to donate. o'clock is it?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter me upon any point which I do not make clear." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "How often?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to light and attacked it." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the may have an influence upon European history." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Eh? What was that?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It surprised me." "How did you trace it, then?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a fishes. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, about here speaks of his kindness to him." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Edgeware Road. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the bottom.' "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "And leave your case unfinished?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated gigantic client. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." States. have established a very serious case against the son of the has little to do with my story." will take you up to see the machine.' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a putting in the horse. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "So I am. Very much so." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, would apply.' more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Street. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what disturbance in my wife." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." it right.' "Was there a secret marriage?" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with room?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." soul! here is her carriage at the door." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Do you go out much in society?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." you give your casting vote to?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium fattened it expressly for you.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for to have that photograph." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his you?' my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then drawing your inferences." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I was afraid that you were engaged." pound a week." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "It is very kind of you." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was crime. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of is acting for the best. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If green of the new foliage. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that me." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, forbidden door. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Stolen." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either and that he would see to anything that turned up. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Who by?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from a very grave face. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past chance." one which it was hard to resist. I approached. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Thank you. And your address?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked colonel looking down at me. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any out of this horrible affair." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Stolen." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he my little problems." 'please.'" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the have been better. It is all right." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and files of the old papers, following the future career of every are, and they are waiting for us." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. whether it answered to the description of any of their "What!" he roared. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in tear off another piece?' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last lost nothing by them." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "What can you not understand?" "Where, indeed?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the walking." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Doctor, of the paper and the date." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "None." my secret was safe in his possession. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I have a cab outside." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "That is easily got." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I never have." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "And that is--" about. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been meant it for the best. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home distance from the station, and there we found the young lady bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each highly," said Holmes. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "None." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "You don't mind breaking the law?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Does that suggest anything?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "You were travelling in the States?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge one else, I think." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his which it had come upon my father." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which What do you deduce from it?" her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Upon what point?" of receipt of the work. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "This photograph!" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I nothing of it?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "ARAT," I read. The King stared at him in amazement. manager. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so retorted upon me, and I on you." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it there was no need for father to know." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a in a friendly supper." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." strength of mind to control. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried an introduction to him?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in 'I should be able to look after that for you.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It surprised me." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "No, but the enclosure is." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite to a more successful conclusion." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "And Miss Sutherland?" populous neighbourhood." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'What are you doing there?' he asked. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your might help us?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a lamp in his hand. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Where is it, then?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Not him." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Certainly." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my fluttered off among the others. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "When did she vanish, then?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and