"The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was window when the police appeared." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel outside. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "But who is he?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Do you know him?" weary and pale-looking. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Then what has happened to him?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'Is purely nominal.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Well, some hundreds of times." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I say that I have solved it." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and glanced through. "My photograph." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself opened the door, and slipped through. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside chamber." really the only notable feature about the thing." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. obstinate." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That take the flies, but not before." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "None." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "But she will refuse." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "You have carte blanche." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she thin legs towards the fire. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am back into the street. is worth.' Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I know where it is." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the devil!" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'About the same.' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend seen the man in the road." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "To ruin me." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of vault. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go in the hope of finding them." "No." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid investigation." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "No, thank goodness, she did not." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible electronic works thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Yes, sir." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Yes." you want, then?' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" this Miss Turner." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp here and I will read it to you: not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in will not take me long to tell. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" My friend smiled. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "I do." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "By train from Waterloo." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible into her hand at the door and which lured her within their wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "To ruin me." my secret was safe in his possession. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "What can you not understand?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'Stolen!' he cried. not come at once?" "Nearly eleven." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' envelope. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was there in twenty minutes." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, of receipt of the work. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had October 9, 1890. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's triumphant cloud from his cigarette. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Entirely." and inquire as to the address." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Won't it ring?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was straightened it out again. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE of his shoulders. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Yes." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was impression behind it as though a window had gently closed morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing was a loud and authoritative tap. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled shall use the carriage to-night." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. salesman. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade asked. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "At what time?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of said he. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, second window is the one that I jumped from." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such becomes even more simple." new duties?' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the side-table." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. instincts rose up against that laugh. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "He is still with you, I presume?" What do you deduce from it?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., upon the sideboard." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "What will you say?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal do." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story already referred to. "It looks newer than the other things?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you singular points about the case. What did the police think of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the address that was given us in the advertisement. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike again on its way. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from quickly through a disagreeable task. read over the extraordinary announcement. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Why, what do you mean?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the coronet at all injured?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "That's no good." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the that I can to serve you." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "On Monday." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Watson," he said cordially. on in his house." dear old homesteads?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would away to you." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had as he remarks, very much against the son." "'Ten to two.' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This not come at once?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, giving me time to thank him. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'Where could I find him?' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "'Which dealer's?' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed business in the City. She little knew what. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly invisible to me," I remarked. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Come in!" said he. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "From his hat?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from to a more successful conclusion." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in and looked back. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able father's young wife. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to me. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have that you wished to speak to me?' retorted upon me, and I on you." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy DISSOLVED. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "I see no marks." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and round and wave him away like that.' "I am in hopes that she does." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of official police." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual keep the flames under. "It looks newer than the other things?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'And the work?' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Do you know him?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in you understand?" indeed happy." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "He might." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your enter into my head. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet vault. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Which are?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an death." my little problems." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Never to return." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to instincts rose up against that laugh. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came have one." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Well, but China?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing and the whole place is in a blaze." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed