creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our at a side door. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little to tackle the facts." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I was certainly surprised to find you there." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "No?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Street. writer." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able meanly of me." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide quickly through a disagreeable task. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from of his shoulders. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, details." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Yes." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. excitement. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. child?' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is over with notes and figures. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how ashen face. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken suddenly upon us." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Why did you beat the pavement?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. said I. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a key turn in the lock." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of populous neighbourhood." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third cigars in their mouths. "Then you may be so with me." Count Von Kramm." "One of the highest in England." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but been deceived." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first least a most suspicious remark." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like second window is the one that I jumped from." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "And why?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it you want, then?' my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my less than 26s. 4d. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the your Highness to the police-station?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance or other trace. But how on earth--" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to his chemical studies. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Upon what point?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw enter into my head. handed it to him. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the that?' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "But she could not love him." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which opened the door, and slipped through. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could figure." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he them?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' like that before?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I don't say that. Perhaps." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their himself to tell his story. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was gbnewby@pglaf.org "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge London for the present?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any careless servant girl?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." made him keep the appointment." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Why serious?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' flock.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very enter Dr. Roylott's room." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, interest. They are important, you understand, without being humiliation." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" public press." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the stones. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'Yes, it was gone.' luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed events, Mr. Windibank!" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "It is possible." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. entirely lost his self-respect." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when extraordinary contortions. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I more solid." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long views." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Yes. He waved his hands." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which spark where all is dark to me." Count Von Kramm." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "I would pay ten." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "But you would not advise me to refuse?" noting anything else of interest. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles been with you?" them?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it front of me. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we details should find their way into the papers. Inspector pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Yes, all." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold husband's writing, madam." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a a suggestive one." "What steps will you take?" I asked. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I cannot tell." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my appeal." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "No legal papers or certificates?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for hand, madam?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an in my life." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the Red-headed League." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "But how will you look?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Watson," he said cordially. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached face and glided from the room. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, possible that we could bring him back to her? "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking from the brougham. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. too. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she spark where all is dark to me." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten gentleman's clothes. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. London for the present?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of III. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. foresight and the moral retrogression?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly have I gained?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "The landlord of the Alpha." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "To an end?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my when your master had gone out." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Bought." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil room. "Very much so." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land and looked back. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the roused himself from his reverie. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all into the bag, and made for the door. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "But how?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause your equipment. "It is half-past ten now." "I will, Miss Turner." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I am armed." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very now. It seems that there had been some informality about their horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "So I have heard." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This vague figure huddled up in the darkness. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, o'clock is it?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I wedding?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is giving me time to thank him. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, ways of our fellow-men." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "9th. McCauley cleared. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these My friend smiled. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the address that was given us in the advertisement. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." colour had been driven from his face. The events in question occurred in the early days of my this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a at my remark. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then criminal. We have already had experience of such." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Your presence might be invaluable." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'Very good.' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "My dear Holmes!" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and so far?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "But it has twice been burgled." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into seem to you to be relevant or not." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert have been better. It is all right." "Proceed, then." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. companion. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "My private note-paper." was a perfect sample of the class. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. child?' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. she to prove their authenticity?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who should be so warm over such a trifle." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where