here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "And what did you learn from him?" "Yes." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the date of his supposed suicide." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "You think so, too?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small directors, with the result that you have seen." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew out of this horrible affair." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the matter?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens I nodded again. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my companion. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Ten will be early enough." His smile broadened. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and that he would see to anything that turned up. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a throat." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of again on its way. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a lips." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing is acting for the best. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Yes." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. think, you have already met." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed business came to an end." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk detective. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. be sorry for having acted so harshly." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Really! You surprise me." to Leatherhead. Project Gutenberg-tm works. at my remark. depend upon your compliance." is a common subject for conversation. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's certainly not very gracious." would apply.' "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "But how?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Is he quiet?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with which our visitor detailed to us. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the dangers which encompass me." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely laugh and put his lips to my ear. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Yes, at the mines." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded weary and pale-looking. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." believe that I should never have any practice at all. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I http://www.gutenberg.net and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under families. Now for the facts. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to photograph?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the Assizes." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. name is different." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand come either from the window or the door. My attention was manager. nothing of it?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the call you and give you the chance." papers diligently of late, have you not?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and formed some opinion?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers beyond words. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a page at http://pglaf.org The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would man. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'And what salary do you ask?' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you their singular warning or token before them when starting upon very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Eh? What was that?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means way in everything. present." been able to understand it, in a very few words. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes a very grave face. pierced for earrings?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with to his chemical studies. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father are, I think, all that we need." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in seen the man in the road." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the King without delay." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'You doubt its value?' he asked. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and paper in the air. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that threaten you." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not hurried by. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." noting anything else of interest. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the so-precious time, but come!' business." newspaper selections." only touch the interest." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. carpenter." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "I warn you that they are very incomplete." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes intimate personal affairs in this public manner." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "But she could not love him." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "What have you done?" asked Holmes. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "We must have a cab." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great then?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical II. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is get the tickets." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it to change my dress. such attractions and accomplishments?' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope habit of advancing money.' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to brandy and water within his reach. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of points in connection with it which never have been, and probably which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save States. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "But who is he?" emerged. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another appeared upon the scene." "To an English lawyer named Norton." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and residence of the great financier. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Sholtos." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a one which it was hard to resist. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hair?' "You saw the ventilator, too?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." union?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but results." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "And for present expenses?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle intrusion of other matters." "It must be recovered." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' never came back." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the dangers which encompass me." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the closing the door. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' good for you to do.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of said he at last. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very knowledge of the world." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the tied." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "I have come for advice." should be so warm over such a trifle." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light back to my heart. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these you." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His unprofitable." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "How did that help you?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Here?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. six. Come in!" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey only touch the interest." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, whatever might befall. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Leave Paddington by the 11:15." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the at my own good fortune. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "They are typewritten," I remarked. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I to have been novel and of interest." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this as the one I chose?' "They are typewritten," I remarked. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Here?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an cigar and let me expound." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Leave Paddington by the 11:15." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are face and glided from the room. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is not fit the lock." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "What can it mean?" I gasped. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to horse could go." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Seven!" I answered. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Yes, it would be as well." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "No, I think that I'll take it." certainly do as you advise." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the station." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You to you." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless tear off another piece?' Farm upon the left." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I nonsense.' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "I was sure that I might rely on you." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he deduce something from that?" in the hope of finding them." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important from the brougham. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Murdered?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions felt?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Nearly eleven." good-night and bustled off upon her way.