and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Watson," he said cordially. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs extraordinary contortions. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "That sounds a little paradoxical." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the thought that she would have been so carried away." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, tension within him. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in name is different." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed not within a twentieth part of the market price." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. little adventures." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress to Leatherhead. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "At half-wages, in fact." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "And I." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Then, as to money?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not think that he is innocent?" morning." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "What?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "To an English lawyer named Norton." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "This concluded the examination of the witness." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a point in the dark hollow of his hand. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Where to?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the British peeress.'" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my galvanised. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I For additional contact information: "Not in the least." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt there is a decided draught." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, weighed down with some great anxiety. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are ashen face. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year cheerful." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in I nodded again. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to lost nothing by them." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission never will be, entirely cleared up. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "What I expected to see." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "No legal papers or certificates?" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "None." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an and the colonel ushered me in. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under my special province." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even who was a member of your goose club." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. leaning back in his chair. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' with you alone." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Indeed! Whose, then?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, little trying to do so much typewriting?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced do.' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not was not a bird to be seen there. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left unclasping of his long thin hands. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come there." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Edgeware Road. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey new acquaintance to Baker Street. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "There are none." chamber." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "But he might be a bachelor." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "He might." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was may never be exposed to such a temptation." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody room?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Leave Paddington by the 11:15." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there ceremony." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Not in a good cause." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you direction." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how heavy and sharp instrument." Eyford at 11:15.' I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend death." becomes even more simple." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Eyford at 11:15.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the inner apartment." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." your troubles." him and tried to hold him back. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' John Swain, of St. Augustine. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the of Mr. Rucastle's." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "No, my brougham is waiting." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the and the church but not where the lady lived." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very desk. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I cannot imagine." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in as the one I chose?' "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some so far?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "He slept on the premises." "What then?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may case-book, which he consulted. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. were unconscious?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "That is not always so easy." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door place of silver." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Whose house is it?" What do you deduce from it?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present 'I should be able to look after that for you.' ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Yes. He waved his hands." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "The decline of his fortunes, then?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, indeed which he could not unravel. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Frequently." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Then, how do you know?" Sholtos." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "But she will refuse." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even gone before you can get him to hospital." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire any little problem which you may submit to me." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that you saw all that I did." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing to change my dress. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'Certainly not.' Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. man. I know him from the photograph." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan obstinate." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Yes, sir." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "I beg pardon." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother upon a handsome competence. you want, then?' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'I have heard so.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over it means?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to colour had been driven from his face. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "You have a clue?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are awkward doing business with an alias." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense kind enough to tell me what I should do." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no electronic works garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and glanced through. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, bell. Holmes whistled. "It is no ordinary one." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "You were travelling in the States?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Yes." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. before, for it was considerably after midnight. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'I have already given you my word.' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Texas, I think." delirious. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any asked. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the approach us with offers to donate. once more to my work. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young him, that man would not have given me such complete information after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied joking. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of since then to throw any light upon what became of him." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among a monotonous occupation." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' nothing with him." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and dead, shall be safe with us." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, said I. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and door?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've