will take you up to see the machine.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the one as in the other." "To ruin me." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "The best possible." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "None." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done clang of the bell. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven stalked out of the room. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing for securing the situation." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite begin with, and I had not got mine yet." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Precisely." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself annoyance, but no jest. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Precisely so. But how--" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have used to be." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "But we can't all be." disappearance of the bride.'" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the lost nothing by them." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and already referred to. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a green of the new foliage. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On done what I asked you, Jones?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the that I am arrested." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" nothing of it?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor writing, and yet I know it well." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with upon an income of about 60 pounds." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I was afraid that you were engaged." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "They are typewritten," I remarked. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is conclusions. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, his eyes and forehead. must compliment you." "Dr. Becher's." "Perhaps I have." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I yet." such person." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much in darkness. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the driver. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out answer." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Nor running a chance of arrest?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the side-table." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the dangers which encompass me." "It is true that I have been generally successful." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, your own bird, so if you wish--" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time because she had spent so short a time in this country that she may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "None." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Yes, the wine-cellar." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after a monotonous occupation." meanly of me." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "My dear Holmes!" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set was already answered. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, better in every way that they should make their position a little voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Well, but China?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "It is half-past ten now." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Did he not advertise?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the upon the sideboard." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my have established a very serious case against the son of the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Countess of Morcar's?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and no precautions can guard against." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it galvanised. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read late." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he golden eyeglasses. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "One?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really cigars in the box." the devil!" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly business." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: appeared upon the scene." depend upon my doing so.' "Can I be of assistance?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be that I can to serve you." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "But how will you look?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might are, and they are waiting for us." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I am following you closely," I answered. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is locked." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Married! When?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and at my own good fortune. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on enough to aid us in our search." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is your most interesting statement." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, strength of mind to control. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "To ruin me." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Never." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "I will try. What is it?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were bonnet, and went out." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "What, then?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, closing the door. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with within hail.' "But how?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was 11:15.' twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have sufficient punishment." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor off." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned woman who has had her own way to make in the world. round with crates and massive boxes. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the maiden herself was most instructive." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the nursery. against a man in the prime of life?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'How far from the body?' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I redistribution. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'Yes.' however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern and files of the old papers, following the future career of every you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned should be so warm over such a trifle." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which friends, not even his own brother. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Bought." something of him before." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was enter into my head. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key this poor creature." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "What!" he roared. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes like that before?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I brain must have something in it." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the was feeling which was the fattest.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Your presence might be invaluable." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she carpenter." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study behind me. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Certainly." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Come in!" said Holmes. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Oh, the cause is excellent!" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had kind enough to tell me what I should do." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, straightened it out again. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "My private note-paper." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders his cane at the bell-pull. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us ordinary clothes on?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek delighted to hear it," he said. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer annoyance, but no jest. the tragedy. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. strength of mind to control. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, instincts rose up against that laugh. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither away to you." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather married her." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which distinguish the words: Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and three of the beryls in it, was missing. never will be, entirely cleared up. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a tell them apart.' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more