guilty one." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down of fine shops and stately business premises that they really would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole which our visitor detailed to us. notes," he said. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, enter Dr. Roylott's room." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof But Holmes shook his head gravely. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." in this way: problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon was already answered. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "May I see it?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the weapon." present." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope ways of our fellow-men." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man standing smiling on the door-step. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "And now?" He raised his hand. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the matter." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to his cane at the bell-pull. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had just called myself is not exactly my own." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the tragedy. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "What I expected to see." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, that he will be back before evening." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' attention." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William father's place of business?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was hair?' hard-headed British jury." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire galvanised. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I plantation.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Pope's Court. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle important." said he. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner 11:15.' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and within hail.' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the 1.F. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece and a shock of very red hair. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "And you thought he was pulled back?" him!" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to foot. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, key turn in the lock." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes ventilator." "You saw the ventilator, too?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, it." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom during that time.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love hour?' the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "'You cannot say what it was?' flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Certainly, madam." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we your equipment. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. front of me. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "What do you mean?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the of the way of danger. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered details." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible October 9, 1890. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, weighed down with some great anxiety. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the whole matter to your consideration." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the night.' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss own family. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when despaired of." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Won't it ring?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "'Certainly not.' woman." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'A dozen yards or so.' again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Yes." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. o'clock is it?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the or in danger--" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the are, and they are waiting for us." "'Certainly,' I answered. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free fashion which was peculiar to him. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. then?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Nothing?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the very morning of the wedding." sneer upon his pale face. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "You did not overhear what they said?" putting in the horse. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. imbecility!" he cried. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, what is your own theory as to what took place?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "May I see it?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you deduce something from that?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case really the only notable feature about the thing." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Dr. Becher's." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "And how have you succeeded?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Yes." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have danger is over." http://gutenberg.net/license). back into the street. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Nothing." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my colonel looking down at me. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but relief. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "How did you deduce the select?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is client, rising. go from here to the Strand." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Did you observe the colour?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those business?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Witness: I must still refuse. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "The Coroner: What do you mean? Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put him, that man would not have given me such complete information having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his you want, then?' works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more the ceiling. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he your Highness to the police-station?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the night.' said he. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Perhaps I have." such attractions and accomplishments?' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg do.' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me friends, not even his own brother. paper in the air. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, and I shall be with you presently." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident purpose equally well?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination not, dad?" she asked. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the your only hope of safety." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the have established a very serious case against the son of the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Mrs. Toller serenely. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "But who is he?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is if only as a check to my own memory." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the bed, and you in that chair." "Ample." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Was he the only applicant?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided signal between you and your father? It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "I came to find a friend." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am that threaten you." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy chill to my heart. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Certainly not. But why?' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the iron safe, which he closed upon it. served to weaken the effect. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' as he folded up the epistle. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "My own seal." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the ceiling. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "At the wedding breakfast." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined taking in every detail of the apartment. there." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "One of the highest in England." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "None." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; neither fascinating nor artistic." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not go from here to the Strand." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her introspective fashion. "How many? I don't know." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little to arrive at through this?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds in. "Pray let us have it, for all that." miles off. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Has he come with you to-night?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Dirty?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "He is still with you, I presume?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six