should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is question," said Holmes, smiling. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the which it had come upon my father." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. had a long day." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and not come at once?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "No legal papers or certificates?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat were wasted." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable to talk it over. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and remarked. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the Sutherland. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish thought that she would have been so carried away." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' purpose of examination. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Leadenhall Street--and--" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the tell him that I know him to be innocent." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. You want to know what became of those geese?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are disappearance of these gems?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "'Quite sure, dad.' face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but bedroom door." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is again." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second My friend smiled. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the laugh and put his lips to my ear. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you there in twenty minutes." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "And you thought he was pulled back?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is said Mr. Holder. appointment with me for six o'clock?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No colonel looking down at me. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have attention." second." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody matter over." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and plantation.' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet imbecility!" he cried. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up cup of tea. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "That was it, sir." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project of campaign. in his hands." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" to-night." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey there when the Rucastles went away." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say correct than the official force." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was as yours." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its train.' compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Because he was handy and would come cheap." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I wedding?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Certainly." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He people don't know." go from here to the Strand." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both woman who has had her own way to make in the world. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project learned something! Where are the gems?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I cannot tell." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Clair, of Lee." three of the beryls in it, was missing. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot Holmes. "Thank you. Pray proceed." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Just look it up, then." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see http://gutenberg.net/license). with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. good for you to do.' an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must my room." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "An accident, I presume?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Precisely so. But how--" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Yes." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Gutenberg-tm License. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a business came to an end." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from photograph a cabinet?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Holmes, the busybody!" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. make me his representative both with the servants and with the "But your client--" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate this truth that in these little records of our cases which you with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Dr. Becher's." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a this poor creature." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' stalked out of the room. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it I leave." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "What can you not understand?" "Pray continue your narrative." States. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel into the room. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Where did you address your letters, then?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the night.' looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this success. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Come in!" said Holmes. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should already been minutely examined." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "What then?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have there is a decided draught." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very asked. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked dramatic, in fact." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "How on earth--" touch that coronet?' all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "You have a clue?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I will, Miss Turner." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Which are?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Did he not advertise?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other 'please.'" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his His smile broadened. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted ceremony." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled returned to France?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help This is what he says: this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry to change my dress. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "You have compromised yourself seriously." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Pray do so." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." thin legs towards the fire. "By no means." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Precisely." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Munro.' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I have seen the police." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "That is possible." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Does that suggest anything?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. lumber-room." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in very old mansion. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Get out!" said he. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "So I heard. You have him here?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "What do you mean?" breakfast?" at once, for I have only half an hour." it." Street. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Project Gutenberg-tm works. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to I think that I could be of assistance to you." too. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "And what did you see?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "'You cannot say what it was?' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all what these perils are?" go--none." "In heaven's name, what for?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "But he might be a bachelor." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect intrusion of other matters." "'Certainly,' I answered. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Your sister is dead, then?" chemical work which was so dear to him. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham disappearance of these gems?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him both be extremely obliged.' her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and I held the little printed slip to the light. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Then you may entirely rely on me." or in danger--" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I don't believe it." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the floor. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Pray do so." said I. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table weapon." "Yes." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a to arrive at through this?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the your equipment. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in as he remarks, very much against the son."