"Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my did not hear it also.' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had one's self under obligations.' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Witness: It was. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray think that he is innocent?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it good for you to do.' "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most he bowed and left the room without another word. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk roused himself from his reverie. "No." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal and prosperity to your house. Good-night." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he know that the truth is known." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'I am sure if I had known--' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You and shall probably return to London by the evening train." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for asked. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, to have that photograph." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. matters immensely." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I am all attention, madam." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the in his hands." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. lamp. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were DISSOLVED. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could emerged. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "She told me to ask you." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Come in!" said he. of Mr. Rucastle's." "'Which dealer's?' room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I copied or distributed: I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I I shall continue with my miserable story. introspective fashion. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to arrive at through this?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "What shall I do?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Never to return." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the I nodded again. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." to his chemical studies. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of I nodded again. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Ten to two.' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. there when the Rucastles went away." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. writing, and yet I know it well." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Not I." friends, not even his own brother. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Pray continue your narrative." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get remarked. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel chance." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "You horrify me!" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps third from London." letters?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm closing the door. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had both be extremely obliged.' - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her results." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the Assizes." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Then let me do so?' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers fish-monger and a tide-waiter." your troubles." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "But his left-handedness." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "What steps will you take?" I asked. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused retorted upon me, and I on you." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Yes." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Yes." get her out of the way." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'In my own bureau.' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the this remarkable episode. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used bore every mark of being an average commonplace British reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Nor running a chance of arrest?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening bell. Holmes whistled. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the voice. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" fled together." address. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over against a man in the prime of life?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of affair. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Imitated." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom see a sister of mine apply for." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'A dozen yards or so.' back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the coroner come to?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and towards the blaze. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Yes, it would be as well." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared vault. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I was mad--insane." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this name is different." License. You must require such a user to return or desk. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "What can you not understand?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have know all about it," he snarled. it right.' there." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. weary and pale-looking. "Stoke Moran?" said he. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." your own bird, so if you wish--" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Frequently." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much business." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'And the work?' your bag." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I would pay ten." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' certainly not very gracious." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt cup of tea. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a any." from you?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Miss Holder?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, fuss that is made over them." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "What! Had he lost his wife?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. voice. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "On your arm?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in License. You must require such a user to return or "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be him!" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Well, but China?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" think, you have already met." forbidden door. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in him, that man would not have given me such complete information present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment lamp. seen the man in the road." there." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes photograph?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up cigar and let me expound." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a place of silver." DAMAGE. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I morning." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some never will be, entirely cleared up. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Was your sister dressed?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "You have but to name it." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Of Friday, June 19th." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Eh? What was that?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do sooner or later she must fall a victim. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily appeal." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This ways including including checks, online payments and credit card give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Where, then, is my wife?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the developed." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already handed it to him. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be so far?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "In answer to an advertisement." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Nothing?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Very. But will he see it?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, and looked back. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my he. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Yes." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so suddenly upon us." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. less than 26s. 4d. "Yes, that is the Crown." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office astonishment. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked American. Then who could this American be, and why should he and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. good for you to do.' upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual you." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "She will not sell." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. unclasping of his long thin hands. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate