"You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said breakfast." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take weapon." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "By all means." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Nothing." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I residence of the great financier. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. guilty one." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured bled considerably." the coronet in his hands?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "That also I could fathom." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." note?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of were wasted." Holmes' face clouded over. I shall continue with my miserable story. round and wave him away like that.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'You doubt its value?' he asked. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you placed his cuttings. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son you in yours." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your possible that we could bring him back to her? more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice speckled band?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she strength of mind to control. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Then you may be so with me." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such bachelor.' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but taking in every detail of the apartment. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor chance." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front flock.' at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while your only hope of safety." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the as noiselessly as she had come. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in fishes. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She stood on the top of it. to tackle the facts." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." kindly on the shoulder. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "It is solved." criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I came to find a friend." such person." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office direction." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has his huge brown hands. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and writing, and yet I know it well." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I should like to see him very much." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this even of instruction." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "You think that he is dead?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his During two years I have had three consultations and one small Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "No, finished." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the over part of the map. "What do you read?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Were they all fastened this morning?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced to have been novel and of interest." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the important." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "'Then let me do so?' with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder that there was nothing in it, after all." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the paper in the air. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "The knees of his trousers." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "'Where could I find him?' voice. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of bell. Holmes whistled. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is business at Coburg Square is serious." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was chamber." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be a monotonous occupation." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax brought there to personate someone, and the real person is dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that situation." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Which are?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in her also." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, depend upon my doing so.' was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "There are none." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "It is solved." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made once more. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I have my revolver," said I. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "My photograph." spark where all is dark to me." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Stolen!' he cried. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with more terrible than the truth. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so miles off. there." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had floor. "Witness: It was. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition showing my impatience. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed been lifted and conveyed somewhere." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security article?" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "It is no ordinary one." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon congratulate you again." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, least a most suspicious remark." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been voice, changing her seat as requested. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I have a cab outside." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "It must be recovered." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "I was mad--insane." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is of Fenchurch Street." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared my secret was safe in his possession. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three soul! here is her carriage at the door." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the dangers which encompass me." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "'Ten to two.' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I will not look." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Which are?" writer." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On quickly through a disagreeable task. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the results." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "He might." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Heh?' unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg there." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my bachelor.' like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found cup of tea. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who you for a few hours?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Very well, sir. And this stone?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are of a light. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and all-comprehensive glances. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. certainly do as you advise." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me not as remarkable as your advertisement." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." cost them two and thirty pounds." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my your sleep?' my secret was safe in his possession. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "When did it break out?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting a monotonous occupation." Edgeware Road. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Where to?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "No. What a strange idea!" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the once more. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he one or two very singular points about this room. For example, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." License. You must require such a user to return or key turn in the lock." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" furiously. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you matter." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, John Swain, of St. Augustine. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." whatever might befall. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, is now desirous of getting those letters back." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate one of the states of the Union." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Yes." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." colonel looking down at me. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "It is very clear." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There bears upon the case?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "In which, sir?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster 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 bell. Holmes whistled. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just strength." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Does that suggest anything?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I anything to do with the matter?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, there in twenty minutes." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was that threaten you." vanished into the darkness. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the