table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "And it is--" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months unprecedented a position." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they learned something! Where are the gems?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then that before taking the final step I should like to submit the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting for and were ordered to this address. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight you in your example." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I will try. What is it?" "And Irene Adler?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" once more for Briony Lodge. imbecility!" he cried. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the stones. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Precisely so. But how--" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong paper in the air. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the best of training." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "It was an hour's good drive." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Then what has happened to him?" you want, then?' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was of his shoulders. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Thank you. And your address?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "You saw the ventilator, too?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little impression behind it as though a window had gently closed pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my nonsense.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "My dear Holmes!" papers diligently of late, have you not?" name is different." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an go--none." and your relations to her." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Very murderous indeed." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you so.' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Certainly,' I answered. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me guilty parties." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. companion. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while where we are going." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Then the page we have seen--" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in lamp. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must details should find their way into the papers. Inspector hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! God! What an exposure! What can I do?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an do." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but something of him before." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and your relations to her." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "May I see it?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life companion. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual it were putty." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted me have 200 pounds?' "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" bill, which interests me deeply." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my upon an income of about 60 pounds." mystery." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after vanished into the darkness. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and of the way of danger. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Certainly." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may tell them apart.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Yes." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'Where to?' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" all that?" "My last client of the sort was a king." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern distinguish the words: isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Not particularly." him to go away.' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. is four-and-twenty." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Precisely." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to future lives." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to that you saw all that I did." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need not fit the lock." one of the states of the Union." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the nice household for a young lady." room?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his as he folded up the epistle. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "In the cells." cigar and let me expound." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle you." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Precisely." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the your Highness to the police-station?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of colonel looking down at me. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further bachelor.' system of imprisonment?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when was it brought him the coronet? stammered. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "If I can be of use." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly carriage. It was a chestnut." said he. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "But you were on a friendly footing?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to and your relations to her." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for to have that photograph." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," signal between you and your father? that you wished to speak to me?' chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." 'please.'" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who following enigmatical notices: tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "And how did you verify them?" "And you can do nothing until then?" go from here to the Strand." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce you." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would DAMAGE. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and brain must have something in it." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that fasten all the windows?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been than was visible to me." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." once more. the inquest, and which are worth considering." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the legal crime." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." strong reason behind." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I children over to America with him, so that I found myself without bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "What is it, then--a fire?" "But you can know nothing of this?" "None." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Will you bet, then?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for cause to be." "Well, but China?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Why, what do you mean?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "And Irene Adler?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I am armed." "But you were on a friendly footing?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" as the one I chose?' to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the closing the door. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all name is different." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, British peeress.'" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "What!" he roared. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. then?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting purpose equally well?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely fact, we may call it conclusive." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! such person." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I promise," said Holmes. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, dead, shall be safe with us." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond obstinate." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "No, I had a dozen." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I do." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her questionable one." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years next day. "No, I am descending." over part of the map. "What do you read?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "You have the photograph?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small voice, changing her seat as requested. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." assist you in forming an opinion." "She will not sell." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Really! You surprise me." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to him and tried to hold him back. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. from you?" what I may call a really hard day's work." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "They are typewritten," I remarked. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Yes, sir." hands. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary nothing with him." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and when your master had gone out." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my British peeress.'" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our