crime." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the astonishment. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his notes," he said. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in strong and stiff." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "You heard nothing yourself last night?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon over here." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" do.' "Who was the criminal, then?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "That is also quite modern," said the lady. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of know what is wrong with it.' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small never will be, entirely cleared up. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, have not had my rubber." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman chair. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "That was it, sir." "From his hat?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I was mad--insane." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist question," said Holmes, smiling. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. and wait." on in his house." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the together. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I will try. What is it?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage this truth that in these little records of our cases which you great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon place of silver." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the them present such singular features as the strange train of from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must disturbance in my wife." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'Oh, no.' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" beyond words. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Yes, all." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "How did you deduce the select?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Then the page we have seen--" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of The events in question occurred in the early days of my Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general would then never go into court at all." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." success. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Where, then, is my wife?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is only touch the interest." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with official police." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The God! What an exposure! What can I do?" awkward doing business with an alias." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm jewels which you have stolen?' was shining brightly. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "I should wish to." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out individual and becomes the badge of a society." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare noise which awoke you from your sleep?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him to some other building. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." stalked out of the room. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "It is no ordinary one." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' spare." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be cigars in the box." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side read it out to me." details." "And Miss Sutherland?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. breakfast." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil this Miss Turner." to arrive at through this?" "I will try. What is it?" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on cost them two and thirty pounds." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Of what day?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "And why?" face and glided from the room. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." mystery!" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken good-night and bustled off upon her way. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer promised to bring home. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "He slept on the premises." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to together. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly during the last few years, and there are many noble families to charge against him will break down." the child." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Won't it ring?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I came to find a friend." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. business came to an end." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted a room. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, within hail.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "There is the writing." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "The murder was done with it." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I don't believe it." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Your sister is dead, then?" it." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong to a light-house. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned is acting for the best. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that I have it here in my museum." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge until night should bring an explanation. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Sholtos." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "It is his hat." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary companion imperturbably. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Have you it here?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I business matters.' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "And Miss Sutherland?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Certainly." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project generous with you in money matters.' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, be there in time for your coming." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from pictures, libraries, or plate. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'Yes, sir.' presented which may be striking and bizarre without being while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Then I can wait in the next room." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it three of the beryls in it, was missing. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us strength of mind to control. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Very much so." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low of the way of danger. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before we went to search for him, face downward in a little buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Mary, has deserted me." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in to change my dress. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully tell them apart.' business matters.' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Thank you. And your address?" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "In heaven's name, what for?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion License. You must require such a user to return or old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress power." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "If I can be of use." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Precisely so. But how--" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "And you can do nothing until then?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "And I to find an enemy." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "It is his hat." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Yes, it would be as well." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of started for the Temple to see my husband. himself in a perplexing position. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "But he might be a bachelor." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an over his head with a sweet womanly caress. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my be. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "That's no good." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies an introduction to him?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the ran thus: Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Entirely." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, and wait." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet became a certainty. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and everything which you would wish to know." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Then, as to money?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce