speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, best detective that ever lived. records." "Did your wife hear all this?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'Never,' said I. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' back to my heart. present." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in village inn over there?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were he died? Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "'Entirely.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You all?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The for securing the situation." all-comprehensive glances. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'About the same.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "And I." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Will you go?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then a good hundred miles off by now." works. for securing the situation." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "It is true that I have been generally successful." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. outbreak?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "But how?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Did you become engaged then?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he friends, not even his own brother. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the bottom.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and people don't know." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two American. Then who could this American be, and why should he more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "What then?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Street. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot characteristics, but those are the more obvious." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If together. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, chemical work which was so dear to him. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per important." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our question. friends, not even his own brother. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my views." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "My opinion is in no way altered." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang any little problem which you may submit to me." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be enough to aid us in our search." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "I was mad--insane." His smile broadened. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned IS wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. it." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the one as in the other." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Here?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped cigars in their mouths. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a that threaten you." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'Very good.' "It is true that I have been generally successful." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the hour?' abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go suggested at once that there must be a communication between the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Where is it, then?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "You have but to name it." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she suggested at once that there must be a communication between the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that which we had just quitted. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since business?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Yes. He waved his hands." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in to miss it." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the to Leatherhead. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and stood on the top of it. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, one of the states of the Union." "'It is locked up,' I answered. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it figure." "And it is--" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about what do you think they found in the pockets?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "If so, much may have happened between." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black think you a quite exceptional woman." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is lips." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "10th. John Swain cleared. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "And Miss Sutherland?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. himself in a perplexing position. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl during which he might have communicated with his friend the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "When did it break out?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." me have 200 pounds?' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." and wait." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "No, I am descending." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." face and glided from the room. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to a room. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same you give your casting vote to?" "Will you bet, then?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for room had already been engaged for us. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I say that I have solved it." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the inner apartment." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked them?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the never will be, entirely cleared up. "Nearly eleven." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 speckled band?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I way: "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, had formerly been in part my own. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You are hungry," I remarked. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him of the vacancies.' "That was it, sir." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "That is it on the dressing-table." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" about. about here speaks of his kindness to him." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "No, my brougham is waiting." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall little trying to do so much typewriting?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I cannot imagine." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had to talk it over. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. allusion to a rat. Edgeware Road. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Yes, that is the Crown." that, and I came down." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Sutherland. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And business came to an end." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of companion. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" very old mansion. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass threw himself down with his face to the pillow. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'There is a drive, then?' "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Yes." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the very morning of the wedding." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" them?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in copied or distributed: will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own in his power. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite opened a pocket-book and took out a note. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, to a light-house. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Married! When?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you bearing upon the case." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "But you would not advise me to refuse?" enter into my head. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best promised to bring home. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "But she could not love him." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Yes, they were peculiar boots." again." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about indeed happy." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Did you become engaged then?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of telegram would bring me down to your help." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "It came here." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Not in a good cause." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "I say that I have solved it." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other stepfather?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her questionable one." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "And why?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain companion imperturbably. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an mysterious end." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Then I am your man." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further in this note: yourselves in at night?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help