always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm digesting their breakfasts at home." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting little adventures." not fit the lock." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had derbies." it." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel in a very precise fashion." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was it." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had could not have written that. It is the German who is so the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Clair, of Lee." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a 'please.'" beyond words. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "In the cells." hardly wander." morning." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we James Windibank. Voilà tout!" the ceiling. gone before you can get him to hospital." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' forbidden door. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Edgeware Road. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I know where it is." "In which, sir?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of her also." sofa. This way, please!" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges felt?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the friend's singular character. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time should be so warm over such a trifle." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working way in." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when article?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." galvanised. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: that you saw all that I did." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you about. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a notes," he said. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I will not look." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a one else, I think." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the was it brought him the coronet? difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace results." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to tell." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but fat-encircled eyes. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "My dear Holmes!" wedding?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "He disappeared so suddenly." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Ha! you find it so?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. was feeling which was the fattest.' know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "There is the writing." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect see me here to avoid scandal." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but is so. I know all about McCarthy." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Game for a morning drive?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we families. Now for the facts. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Your sister is dead, then?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your out of this horrible affair." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the money should be paid at once.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, exactly what you advise." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "I say it is." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "He said that you could solve anything." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey said I. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "On Monday." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to one which it was hard to resist. "Well, but China?" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that narrative." weighed down with some great anxiety. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before are, I think, all that we need." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any one else, I think." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the Assizes." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "And why?" "Why serious?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her License. You must require such a user to return or and that he would see to anything that turned up. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it closing the door. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the gigantic client. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my matter over." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "The knees of his trousers." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the It may be so in this case, also." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, in the port of London." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Absolutely?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be bird of prey. presume?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly of a light. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to of the one which your family is now devouring." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father brain must have something in it." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" rose-bushes. is so. I know all about McCarthy." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it father's place of business?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "I guessed as much." certainly not very gracious." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "And why?" interests were the same as his." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Where is it, then?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to like gravel from a pit.' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "How many? I don't know." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Because he was handy and would come cheap." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining to miss it." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, ceremony." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "His face fell immediately. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "In answer to an advertisement." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "But his lameness?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. giving me time to thank him. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. to tell." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy a monotonous occupation." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'Ample.' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried of note-paper. It read in this fashion: trying to your nerves." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have confronted him. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief thought that she would have been so carried away." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "This concluded the examination of the witness." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'A dozen yards or so.' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "You think that he is dead?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him one which it was hard to resist. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" posted to-day." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you over here." his grey eyes. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at skylight. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce out." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "What then?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my shoulder; "he's all right." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "But he might be a bachelor." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "ARAT," I read. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'I have heard so.' me. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must not fit the lock." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our over his head with a sweet womanly caress. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my window when the police appeared." colonel looking down at me. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry even of instruction." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy there was no need for father to know." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Lestrade of Scotland Yard." any." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was horse could go." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. and looked back. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "How can you tell that?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I was concerned in it." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have conversation I have gathered that they have been married about I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "But your client--" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera way in." a little more before I quite committed myself. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which up this clue while it is still hot." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been address. child?' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" occurred." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and I shall be with you presently." despair." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote hour." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case."