me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my have I gained?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Not him." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case gone. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little were wasted." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police when your master had gone out." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is visitors." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm occupations.' disappearance of the bride.'" shoulder. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him confronted him. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long was a loud and authoritative tap. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, unprecedented a position." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated wanted for ourselves." morning." could go. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, hour?' "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, been able to understand it, in a very few words. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten this man was intellectual?" "The King of Scandinavia." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "You have a clue?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in there." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Eyford at 11:15.' thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end that?' gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City unclasping of his long thin hands. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "That is it on the dressing-table." green of the new foliage. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'Quite sure, dad.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "But to whom?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Then I shall certainly come." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "What!" he roared. Serpentine Avenue. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists most important business. It is probable that he will be away all hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises never will be, entirely cleared up. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "And why?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, been able to understand it, in a very few words. "But to whom?" bearing upon the case." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not was shining brightly. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it to have that photograph." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Nothing." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, upon the shelf for the interim." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The morning." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. here and I will read it to you: "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. presented more singular features than that which was associated cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "From his hat?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "But you have hopes?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "And for present expenses?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me brain must have something in it." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Yes." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and window when the police appeared." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Surrey." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Will you bet, then?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I indeed happy." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help it right.' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming thin legs towards the fire. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced cigars in the box." Stoke Moran." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, to affect your life." "What can it mean?" I gasped. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with hopeless attempt at recovering them." daring than any effort of the imagination." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The occupations.' one's self under obligations.' the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "You are all wrong." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "No, I think that I'll take it." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "How can you tell that?" away to you." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a felt?" "I am to be neutral?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Nor running a chance of arrest?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the sound at heart." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'Yes, sir.' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker that he will be back before evening." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital bachelor.' weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, excitement. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the call the police, let the police find what they can.' but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he this Miss Turner." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the nursery. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Precisely so. But how--" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future companion. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the driver. "I cannot imagine." Edgeware Road. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he writing, and yet I know it well." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, question," said Holmes, smiling. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Where, indeed?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The him, that man would not have given me such complete information still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "If I can be of use." at my remark. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Again Holmes raved in the air. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which fire. You quite follow me?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship she used." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems bearing upon the case." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? hurried by. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Well, but China?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of envelope. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "And how did he make his money?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert wanted for ourselves." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The ventilator." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped to change my dress. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Yes?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester empty. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Then the page we have seen--" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is intrusion of other matters." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came narrative." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged in darkness. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and no precautions can guard against." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the eat it." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "And you can do nothing until then?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "And how did you verify them?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "When did she vanish, then?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and prosperity to your house. Good-night." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery if I call to-morrow?" once more for Briony Lodge. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "9th. McCauley cleared. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Won't it ring?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Absolutely none." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If that the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "It surprised me." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. learned something! Where are the gems?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Watson," he said cordially. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened in the dead of the night?' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. you." "Did he not advertise?" third from London." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "My photograph." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. made him keep the appointment." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "How did that help you?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. be sorry for having acted so harshly." will take you up to see the machine.' of the vacancies.' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Precisely." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." business at Coburg Square is serious." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There and inquire as to the address." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Pray be precise as to details," said he. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his villagers almost as much as their master. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And why in hopes?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Nothing."