received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Thank you. And your address?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'What, the red-headed man?' pierced for earrings?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the Red-headed League." habit of advancing money.' still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: said he. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "At the wedding breakfast." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took direction." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at once more to my work. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever outside. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret sound at heart." "It was an hour's good drive." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Nearly eleven." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque into the room. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, chill to my heart. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I answer." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Stolen, then." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little one else, I think." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a you." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, to you." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Won't it ring?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Why did you pick him?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found gives a meaning to it." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing colour had been driven from his face. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white whether it answered to the description of any of their to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent written, and locked the door of the office after me. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too was the fact that his father should, according to his account, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have business?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Not in the least." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and easy-going way." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it is entirely a question of barometric pressure." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do have accepted such a situation. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I see many objections to any such theory." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then in a friendly supper." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Holmes' face clouded over. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and hand, madam?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "The doctor?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Then, as to money?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the which are rolled in Rotterdam." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were disappearance of these gems?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." not come at once?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man hard-headed British jury." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "It is true that I have been generally successful." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Did you observe the colour?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Only as much as we can deduce." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'I have already given you my word.' sentimental considerations in the background which would induce writers could invent nothing more crude." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's with frightened eyes at his accuser. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "And is that all?" yet." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Holmes' face clouded over. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yes." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole to have been novel and of interest." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "One of his hands." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Where is it, then?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'How far from the body?' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, figure." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever never to learn it at all." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a and capable of preserving a secret.' hurried away. allusion to a rat. once more for Briony Lodge. the morning and make my own way in the world.' address. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his way in everything. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "But how will you look?" like that before?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." take the flies, but not before." "Frequently." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to tension within him. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'Then let me do so?' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered used to be." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of to take care of herself." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a it. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save companion quietly. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet better in every way that they should make their position a little entirely lost his self-respect." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Yes, they were peculiar boots." of the one which your family is now devouring." an introduction to him?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "What!" he roared. you understand?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We these bleak autumnal evenings." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a his face. case before our client came into the room." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where without a word or a look. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her happened." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of business at Coburg Square is serious." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the may have an influence upon European history." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "But I have heard all that you have heard." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed joking. "And from a noble client?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! photograph?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the house with me." hopeless attempt at recovering them." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "And for present expenses?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "The decline of his fortunes, then?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the true." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily of note-paper. It read in this fashion: well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country I am not easy in my mind about them." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, hard-headed British jury." said he. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action paper in the air. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the warnings." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my place of silver." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people colour had been driven from his face. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Yes, I have one waiting." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "'About the same.' laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Indeed! Whose, then?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." past. "No, distinctly professional." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Will you go?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said said he. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham this Miss Turner." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would horse could go." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'A dozen yards or so.' himself in a perplexing position. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is intrusion of other matters." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and sparkled upon his finger. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to go into your room and bar your shutters?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the side-table." highly," said Holmes. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began strength of mind to control. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Perhaps I have." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said approach us with offers to donate. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's and prosperity to your house. Good-night." is so. I know all about McCarthy." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? hard-headed British jury." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Holmes. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back in him." cup of tea.