"You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. hands. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet dear old homesteads?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. his eyes and forehead. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "To an English lawyer named Norton." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we chambers. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when row." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was case-book, which he consulted. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I should be immensely obliged to you." passage and a tap at the door. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a several quiet little villages up there." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the upon the white wrist. appeared upon the scene." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which entirely devoid of interest." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to point in the dark hollow of his hand. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Nothing?" presented more singular features than that which was associated "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Then the page we have seen--" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in residence of the great financier. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the matter." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "What have you done?" asked Holmes. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and vanished into the darkness. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "But how?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to legal crime." "And Irene Adler?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End husband's writing, madam." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "How can you tell that?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. for its centre. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important into her hand at the door and which lured her within their play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I am about to be married." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "What do you mean?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily know all about it," he snarled. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he had this final quarrel? and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the do.' the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. in the dead of the night?' that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, back alive. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. secret." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. conceal it?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" intrusion of other matters." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three where she found matters as described by the last witness. "How about poison?" to-morrow." "What will you say?" pressing in one house as in another. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Then you may be so with me." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the But Holmes shook his head gravely. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I cannot as yet see any connection." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in to some other building. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "I would pay ten." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to father's place of business?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and inquire as to the address." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "What is it?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his them?" putting in the horse. clang of the bell. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was acted in my house last night?" said I. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. occurred." Holmes." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the the stones. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we south, for the country is more deserted there." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, hand, madam?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window hurried away. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room to that open window." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the inner apartment." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or were unconscious?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony The events in question occurred in the early days of my receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "By train from Waterloo." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "In heaven's name, what for?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Street. vault. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came maiden herself was most instructive." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' of them has the shutters up.' "Where did he live, then?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Breckinridge is his name." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and My friend smiled. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such you found me to-night--and running through the front room she which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one your own bird, so if you wish--" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we prove to be little relation between the different incidents of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "On the contrary, this is the right side." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "But who is he?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. to a light-house. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "In heaven's name, what for?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all to you." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "That also I could fathom." that you saw all that I did." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "In what way?" asked Holmes. "It looks newer than the other things?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "But he might be a bachelor." "Yes, at the mines." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Why serious?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Has he come with you to-night?" thought that she would have been so carried away." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have get the tickets." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I papers diligently of late, have you not?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to manager. investigation." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, upon a handsome competence. "It is possible." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "And the murderer?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my the dangers which encompass me." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis to-night?' it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Breckinridge is his name." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the visitors." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is key of the affair now." vanished into the darkness. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. absorbing." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the so-precious time, but come!' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three not as remarkable as your advertisement." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was lips." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a purpose of examination. with you alone." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "A client, then?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "No. What a strange idea!" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," hand, madam?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner entirely lost his self-respect." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, whole matter to your consideration." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? over part of the map. "What do you read?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg him to be an active member of the medical profession." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great he bowed and left the room without another word. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "But she could not love him." foot. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "And when will you call?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms humiliation." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after that threaten you." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond front of the hall door has given its name to the place. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Not him." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it notes," he said. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground.