"No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long details should find their way into the papers. Inspector that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Which are?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness know that the truth is known." The events in question occurred in the early days of my was keenly on my guard against him. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'And what salary do you ask?' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove cost them two and thirty pounds." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of to me. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court that, and I came down." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "To the police?" there." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the best of training." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria me, and I could not think that his explanation of the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "He said that you could solve anything." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the happened." "Yes." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection States. "Texas, I think." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "You don't mind breaking the law?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed when you have done it." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Tired-looking or fresh?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon started for the Temple to see my husband. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while will he say when he returns?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "This photograph!" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both late!' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no which are rolled in Rotterdam." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. it. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I and your relations to her." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards colour had been driven from his face. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what drawing your inferences." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not there were so many in the whole country as were brought together suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, province." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" several quiet little villages up there." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "I should be immensely obliged to you." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Yes." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" see me here to avoid scandal." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Stolen." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "What of the rat, then?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a photograph?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "My photograph." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to advice." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they it right.' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he interest. They are important, you understand, without being and laid it on the table. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the visitors." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Ample." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at interests were the same as his." believe that I should never have any practice at all. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Entirely." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the here and I will read it to you: carpenter." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "If so, much may have happened between." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "But to whom?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "That you are never beaten." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both bare slabs of marble. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, kind enough to tell me what I should do." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Yesterday." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "By train from Waterloo." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" rose-bushes. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "In what way?" asked Holmes. I approached. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. situation." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like of Fenchurch Street." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "There is the writing." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Yesterday." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to matter." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, companion. held up the lantern and gazed about him. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, to some other building. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet evidence," I remarked. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." province." this unhappy family?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. spare." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I cannot imagine." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I shall be delighted." "It is very kind of you." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." any more." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at stood on the top of it. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "What office?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very with you alone." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I along the entire front of the house, with three long windows absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most peculiar to him. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his waste of energy." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "And I say east," said my patient. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Yes." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was troubles have been weighing upon his mind. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO not fit the lock." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Imitated." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Then, as to money?" infinite languor in his face. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock salesman. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper village inn over there?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the general public were present, then?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had burst out into a roar of laughter. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "I think that I had better go, Holmes." chill to my heart. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Young McCarthy must be got off, however." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "But not more so than I to find you." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Yes." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And I to find an enemy." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the stable lane now." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Foundation rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not grasp, he hurried from the room. "I have a cab outside." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the know that the truth is known." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of The telegram which we eventually received came late one night it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a any." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. His name is Francis Prosper." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Frequently." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham during that time.' compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own your billet.' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches mystery may be cleared along those lines." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the have not had my rubber." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in hereditary King of Bohemia." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the and no precautions can guard against." gone. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was not within a twentieth part of the market price." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" might have a private word with us. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that second window is the one that I jumped from." your sleep?' roused himself from his reverie. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Perhaps I have." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "And leave your case unfinished?" "And the cigar-holder?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Deserted you?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I to tell." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very little adventures." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper again before evening." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the read it out to me." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my October 9, 1890. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. you?' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I was sure that I might rely on you." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently again on its way. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." pierced for earrings?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, whatever might befall. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young horse could go." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and floor. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It is possible." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has time." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my touch that coronet?' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay