"Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no at once, for I have only half an hour." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Certainly." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "The doctor?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'Then let me do so?' "I will, Miss Turner." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." papers." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each if she died from some sudden fright." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this more terrible than the truth. his knees, staring into the fire. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "That you are never beaten." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I think it very unlikely." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips dear old homesteads?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the without a word or a look. telegram would bring me down to your help." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Your presence might be invaluable." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Well?" maid will bring up your coffee." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in ashen face. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and I shall be with you presently." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was she has been waylaid. There has been no result." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle one which it was hard to resist. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter have been better. It is all right." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by a suggestive one." "It surprised me." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and glanced through. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I will do it." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair any." sparkled upon his finger. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "If so, much may have happened between." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "By no means." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as coroner's jury." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which answer." "I assure you that I am in your hands." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. chair. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Which are?" the warnings." strength in the others." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the this Miss Turner." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Quite sure, dad.' I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into upon the sideboard." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Very murderous indeed." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a straighten it?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, developed." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." said he at last. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Why? What do you mean?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was noble correspondent could be. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in It may be so in this case, also." of it with the greatest attention. suddenly upon us." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or fat-encircled eyes. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can train.' ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the there in twenty minutes." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I hour?' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back fat-encircled eyes. residence of the great financier. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But my friend's incisive reasoning. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "But you were on a friendly footing?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a are windows in it, of course?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest them?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Which are?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: once more for Briony Lodge. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered happened." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of horse could go." "He said too much." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Not in a good cause." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and again on its way. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "And Irene Adler?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "I say that I have solved it." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Why, what do you mean?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I came to find a friend." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be nothing with him." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must read over the extraordinary announcement. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and no precautions can guard against." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester once more. "But what is it you wish?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that opportunities to fix the problem. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning knowledge of the world." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of think that any burglar could have done. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "One of the highest in England." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "I have hopes." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining over part of the map. "What do you read?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far became a certainty. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you in. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of his fortune, and I went back to pa. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "But he might be a bachelor." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. are windows in it, of course?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter address. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Absolutely none." "And Miss Sutherland?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you simple cases which are so extremely difficult." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Well, but China?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." with you?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Then you may entirely rely on me." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Did you become engaged then?" get the tickets." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be better in every way that they should make their position a little he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "And is that all?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. leave you to your papers for a little." You want to know what became of those geese?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first child?' once more. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. learned something! Where are the gems?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker question," said Holmes, smiling. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide friends, not even his own brother. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that of his shoulders. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her straightened it out again. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" system of imprisonment?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that I am arrested." "Witness: Nothing definite. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Stolen, then." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I beg pardon." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "No, but the enclosure is." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the present." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same to-night." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any into the room. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would was a lad." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous good-night and bustled off upon her way. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your again, where I was soon asleep. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter indiscretion." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. had died away into the silence from which it rose. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some annoyance, but no jest. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'I have heard so.' way in." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining said I. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from furiously. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "No good news?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to which our visitor detailed to us. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it frequently gained my first real insight into the character of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "You heard nothing yourself last night?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the gone before you can get him to hospital." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all golden eyeglasses. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided forehead. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right awaited us upon the table. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a of receipt of the work. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing British peeress.'" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & he. the room while you explain this matter?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "I have my revolver," said I. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you such person." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a gone. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Pope's Court. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'What then?' I asked. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I posted to-day." sofa. This way, please!" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just