"The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Mary, has deserted me." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is shall not find me ungrateful." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an touch that coronet?' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Quite so." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. during that time.' may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Of what?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. undoubtedly my uncle's." goes." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Oh, fresh and glossy." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and simple cases which are so extremely difficult." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official acted in my house last night?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "No more words. Get out!" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the date of his supposed suicide." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "I have hopes." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. records." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Nearly eleven." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us you?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every me, and I could not think that his explanation of the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out out of this horrible affair." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty to tackle the facts." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have hour?' skylight. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but with some details as to your case." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, brain must have something in it." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. have one." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance redistribution. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most thin legs towards the fire. instituted." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If events than those which have happened in my own family." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is may never be exposed to such a temptation." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "To an English lawyer named Norton." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had views." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she situation." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." existence." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'Yes, sir.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential walking." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "No, finished." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same returned to France?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "You horrify me." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "If so, much may have happened between." it with his own hands." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." not personally threatened." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six very morning of my second wedding." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "It is possible." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the system of imprisonment?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this see a sister of mine apply for." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical occupations.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I should like to see him very much." IS mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I evidence," I remarked. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector wedding?" answer." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and formed some opinion?" morning." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to outbreak?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the dangers which encompass me." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" dates and names. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards it. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "You know me, then?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Well?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I promise," said Holmes. License. You must require such a user to return or "Where did you address your letters, then?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." purpose of examination. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn ago." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can girl said." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the certainly not very gracious." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "What, then?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are article?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the child?' they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Very. But will he see it?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my a monotonous occupation." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was it." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" newspaper selections." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I should like to see him very much." foot. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Why, what do you mean?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' fatally injured? doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "My stepfather's business papers." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that acquaintance?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Sholtos." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the about. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "In which, sir?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "But the mystery?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It is true that I have been generally successful." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. it." "Here?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "You have it, sir, just as it happened." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after me have 200 pounds?' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle your only hope of safety." over part of the map. "What do you read?" recover the gem." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that strong reason behind." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." he bowed and left the room without another word. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Literary Archive Foundation "One?" from you?" up this clue while it is still hot." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position danger is over." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very once more to my work. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation been." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "His face fell immediately. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out directors, with the result that you have seen." existence." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Dr. Becher's." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Munro.' hands. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the room. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a felt the room to be a little close.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all crime. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable as yours." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. prepare for the new role I have to play." London for the present?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." overpowering excitement and concern. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that examination of the premises, but without finding anything which the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last impression behind it as though a window had gently closed God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son do.' over his head with a sweet womanly caress. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his face which made him a very different person to the round, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of power." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "But who is he?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" my former friend and companion. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened several quiet little villages up there." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not lips." the child." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had not personally threatened." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an thirty. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." to you." "'Ten to two.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a