of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "The doctor?" "Then, as to money?" "What do you mean?" "Has he come with you to-night?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears flock.' his forehead." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'About the same.' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I infinite languor in his face. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this breakfast and whispered something to her husband. presume?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of friend's singular character. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Ah!" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it this poor creature." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "One?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said signal between you and your father? would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had is a common subject for conversation. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "So it appears." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in get her out of the way." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Game for a morning drive?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, cause to be." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'What, the red-headed man?' "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I in darkness. "'Yes, it was gone.' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. again." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this thirty. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for directly by questioning you." shaken than I had ever seen him. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, off." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I gives a meaning to it." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "What shall I do?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked putting in the horse. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, if I call to-morrow?" London for the present?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous take the flies, but not before." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Very murderous indeed." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious at home. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "By no means." kind enough to tell me what I should do." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see golden eyeglasses. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him brought there to personate someone, and the real person is size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have companion quietly. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely it were putty." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "You forget that I know nothing about it." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than handed it to him. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two figure." Have you good authority for what you say?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Well, it is a possible supposition." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'About the same.' "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and neither fascinating nor artistic." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and shall probably return to London by the evening train." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "The doctor?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and even so self-evident a thing as that." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home outside. "And did you observe any change in her then?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "And how did you find out?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that business came to an end." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "You have a clue?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Did you observe the colour?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson that you saw all that I did." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant head. So long, then!" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the ventilator." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Of Friday, June 19th." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as The events in question occurred in the early days of my from you?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Oh, the cause is excellent!" of Mr. Rucastle's." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." who was a member of your goose club." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. fatally injured? "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was kind enough to tell me what I should do." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I made his money." problems help me to do so." together. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Really! You surprise me." voice. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Most admirably.' in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the bottom.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it cost them two and thirty pounds." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Why, what do you mean?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that little trying to do so much typewriting?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House in your London, you will know that the office of the company is ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and have this put in the evening papers." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Is purely nominal.' of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." it right.' "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. events than those which have happened in my own family." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" entirely devoid of interest." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast man. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and has little to do with my story." His smile broadened. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It works. See paragraph 1.E below. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'Yes, it was gone.' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Eyford at 11:15.' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his like gravel from a pit.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it feature." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and written. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the danger is over." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "In heaven's name, what for?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "What is it, then--a fire?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either been anything against him. He had for years been known as a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, back alive. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending bird of prey. weighed down with some great anxiety. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." your sleep?' planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but murdered man." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "How did you trace it, then?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Perfectly so." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I promise," said Holmes. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "But we can't all be." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come asked. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents client, rising. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." intrusion of other matters." round and wave him away like that.' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "'I am sure that I do not know.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for forehead. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her himself to tell his story. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "No, I am descending." said he. papers." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "The decline of his fortunes, then?" some city in a dream. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own security.' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips were wasted." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now footfalls from the street. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and retorted upon me, and I on you." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, south, for the country is more deserted there." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. is worth.' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, over part of the map. "What do you read?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "How often?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only views." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" tear off another piece?' in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my conclusions. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally security.' am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. my room." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she yards of it?' "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal