prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to leave you to your papers for a little." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He quite distinctive." not come at once?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. hereditary King of Bohemia." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the coronet in his hand?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his are, and they are waiting for us." you?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "What do you mean?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly despair." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to than was visible to me." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since States. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. in his hands." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good chambers. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "We were both in the photograph." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very man. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared is four-and-twenty." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "But she could not love him." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses there were one or two details which were new to me. But the a very grave face. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they child?' London for the present?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "9th. McCauley cleared. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." other lovers by making love himself." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. are, I think, all that we need." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." to a more successful conclusion." this poor creature." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to vault. "The rest you will leave in our hands." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Pray continue your narrative." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that floor. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am seen the man in the road." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched threw himself down with his face to the pillow. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own me what he had done with the three missing stones. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part as yours." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "No." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "I never have." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Where does the thing come from?' "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the 11:15.' "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still is entirely a question of barometric pressure." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "But you would not advise me to refuse?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which extraordinary contortions. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my once more on the important position which you have been fortunate initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has may never be exposed to such a temptation." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." would apply.' "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found 'please.'" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously your equipment. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote washing it down with a long draught of water. never came back." beg that you will break it off." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Dr. Becher's." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end it? Did I buy the geese off you?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I think that it is very probable." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Only as much as we can deduce." direction." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "In San Francisco, a year ago." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "You are certainly joking, Holmes." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with you?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Your French gold?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are over his head with a sweet womanly caress. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a said I. tapping his fingers upon the table. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you interest. They are important, you understand, without being be.' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under redistribution. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." handed it to him. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "You forget that I know nothing about it." some water from a caraffe. then?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her one of the states of the Union." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." keep the flames under. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the south-west, I see." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Pray do so." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "No more words. Get out!" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly of them has the shutters up.' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly ready to-morrow?' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few suspect him." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham to tell." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed down in his armchair and closing his eyes. was shining brightly. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch are, I think, all that we need." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I arrested. You then--" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Very murderous indeed." the date of his supposed suicide." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she of a light. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far next day. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered promised to bring home. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Holmes, the busybody!" have accepted such a situation. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and if only as a check to my own memory." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the room while you explain this matter?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you friend's singular character. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an emerged. clanging. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the south-west, I see." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "And how did he make his money?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Well, it is a possible supposition." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "We have tried and failed." "Yes." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to goes." "And I." case before our client came into the room." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "And that is--" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "The King of Scandinavia." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite noting anything else of interest. "And how in the world did you find them?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the own family. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I have it here in my museum." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': she might be summoned. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name is," said he presently: Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am whole matter to your consideration." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. burst out into a roar of laughter. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got which it had come upon my father." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a little adventures." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, experiences." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I say that I have solved it." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'Is 4 pounds a week.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Why serious?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Where to?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the running down." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Whose house is it?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Where, indeed?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'Stolen!' he cried. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his you for a few hours?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a young Openshaw's." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not particular state visit http://pglaf.org when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, prisoner's face. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a of Fenchurch Street." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently events than those which have happened in my own family." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon anything to a woman, for she would have her way." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "He said that you could solve anything." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from come either from the window or the door. My attention was chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "None." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and this Miss Turner." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Get out!" said he. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed advice." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, yards of it?' question. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "It is possible." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that highroad, where all traces were lost. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys call the police, let the police find what they can.' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, my secret was safe in his possession. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "How did that help you?" in. lumber-room." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been dramatic, in fact." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Yes, the wine-cellar." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "I think that it is very probable." his wife has ceased to love him." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses be there in time for your coming." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "'Where to?' "I think it very unlikely." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my purpose of examination. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that long narrative.