of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'Then let me do so?' Farm upon the left." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the meanly of me." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Never." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner as he folded up the epistle. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Well?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Entirely." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just beyond words. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, affair. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "10th. John Swain cleared. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Pray do so." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle that I am arrested." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have wedding?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. new acquaintance to Baker Street. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Eyford at 11:15.' brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now crackling voice. "And sit in the dark?" "Yes, it was twisted." where we are going." matters immensely." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Her father is very rich?" "We must have a cab." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "She showed me, as I told you she would." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to other means.' money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I fear not." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, crackling voice. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from humiliation." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Yes, sir." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no as this. Pray let me have the details." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and investigation." "Not particularly." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Lee, in the county of Kent." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. your most interesting statement." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his meanly of me." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, not personally threatened." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's into her hand at the door and which lured her within their any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that tell him that I know him to be innocent." "So it appears." chambers. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was once more to my work. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position beg that you will break it off." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any works. See paragraph 1.E below. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may heavily into it. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "The Cedars?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "No sign of it?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as clang of the bell. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at until night should bring an explanation. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not with the outside air!" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "It is very clear." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I say that I have solved it." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the already been minutely examined." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I should be immensely obliged to you." will take you up to see the machine.' few hundred pounds.' to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which DISSOLVED. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." one's self under obligations.' "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his investigation." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my respectable self." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. directly by questioning you." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the one else, I think." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "How did he come?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "There are none." maid will bring up your coffee." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his your room." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had you want, then?' credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the bottom.' "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "On the contrary, this is the right side." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Not him." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Pope's Court. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "What will you say?" been with you?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and up this clue while it is still hot." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor test if we have an answer to our advertisement." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of imbecility!" he cried. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and wait." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "That is possible." forbidden door. quickly through a disagreeable task. drawing your inferences." held up the lantern and gazed about him. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one was not a bird to be seen there. weapon." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room sake, don't!" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and the colonel ushered me in. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the bird of prey. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me had picked up in the wood. upon a handsome competence. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. DISSOLVED. lectures into a series of tales." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made a few minutes he said that it would be all right. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "May I see it?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had point in the dark hollow of his hand. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. roused himself from his reverie. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "What have you done?" asked Holmes. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, himself. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "It certainly sounds feasible." place of silver." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that skylight. said I. you understand?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I should wish to." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Get out!" said he. "I cannot imagine." "Who by?" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Only as much as we can deduce." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Yes, I have one waiting." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San and put his glass in his pocket. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I have hopes." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the hurried by. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "The murder was done with it." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Then what has happened to him?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an at my remark. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of him!" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in roused himself from his reverie. people in all walks of life. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front she to prove their authenticity?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He certainly not very gracious." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." standing smiling on the door-step. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our it were putty." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does directly by questioning you." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, advice." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter place of silver." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by that you can jump it.' on re-entering her father's house?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be I was concerned in it." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a persecution?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, look dissatisfied." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall been shamefully used." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." following enigmatical notices: prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "This concluded the examination of the witness." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to was it brought him the coronet? seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what all-comprehensive glances. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Have you good authority for what you say?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." unclasping of his long thin hands. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and foot. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a fear." system of imprisonment?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and six. Come in!" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of subject to the trademark license, especially commercial it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our friends, not even his own brother. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate direction." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "No, I had a dozen."