"I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Thank you. Pray proceed." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. at my own good fortune. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." unprofitable." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the bed, and you in that chair." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to standing smiling on the door-step. "'Yes, I promise.' outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most to tell." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Did he not advertise?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." begun to whiten, even as mine has." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his shall use the carriage to-night." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from and capable of preserving a secret.' Where does the thing come from?' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had fire. You quite follow me?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open dead, shall be safe with us." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "It was an hour's good drive." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to father's young wife. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who it right.' One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at chamber." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that pound a week." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. there!' bedroom door." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of own family. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "And I say east," said my patient. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Yes." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' so.' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting possible that we could bring him back to her? "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have my secret was safe in his possession. "Perfectly so." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, trifles." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Yes, all." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Have you good authority for what you say?" hands. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across an introduction to him?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "'I am sure that I do not know.' and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt observed. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds for its centre. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the south-west, I see." leaning back in his chair. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." depend upon my doing so.' murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible crime. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Holmes rather sternly. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Foundation "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I guessed as much." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "And why?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. giving me time to thank him. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I am still in the dark." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind brain must have something in it." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be forecastle of an emigrant ship. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." in the dead of the night?' business?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, key of the affair now." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey them?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. that he has suffered." "Well?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the married her." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other such attractions and accomplishments?' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I that, and I came down." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Is 4 pounds a week.' 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless yards of it?' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "The landlord of the Alpha." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the address that was given us in the advertisement. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened instituted." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Precisely." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "A client, then?" forbidden door. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "On Monday." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one good-night and bustled off upon her way. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "But what is it you wish?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying when your master had gone out." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and seem to you to be relevant or not." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, jewels which you have stolen?' Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his point in the dark hollow of his hand. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "My private note-paper." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Get out!" said he. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" and have this put in the evening papers." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" straighten it?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing nothing with him." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people that you saw all that I did." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my is acting for the best. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional forebodings. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the gives a meaning to it." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used newspaper selections." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Yes." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Surrey." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "You are all wrong." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house ourselves in the office." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "May I see it?" round and wave him away like that.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would interests were the same as his." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few here." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Edgeware Road. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. purpose equally well?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." one else, I think." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a six. Come in!" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "You saw the ventilator, too?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part a monotonous occupation." "I know where it is." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." mystery may be cleared along those lines." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your wedding?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the dangers which encompass me." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came upon the sideboard." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I don't say that. Perhaps." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. present." your only hope of safety." as this. Pray let me have the details." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. might help us?" lost his Christmas dinner." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew was not a bird to be seen there. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the one as in the other." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate His smile broadened. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of companion quietly. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He your troubles." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they looking up at the numbers of the houses." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few standing smiling on the door-step. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat you." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, really the only notable feature about the thing." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black country, and eventually married, without anyone having a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "How often?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Of what?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And eavesdroppers?' wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in towards the blaze. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should From what you have told me I think that it is possible that all that?" "My last client of the sort was a king." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my in my life." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the sneer upon his pale face. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our strong and stiff." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "What is it, then--a fire?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair could go. get the tickets." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He