was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "What steps will you take?" I asked. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, as this. Pray let me have the details." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in nonsense.' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital meant." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange this poor creature." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, about. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the address that was given us in the advertisement. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. breakfast?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "And the murderer?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." prisoner's face. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Yes, all." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had annoyance, but no jest. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "What shall I do?" "And why?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "To an end?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at been shamefully used." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a be. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." fluttered off among the others. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many directors, with the result that you have seen." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. sooner or later she must fall a victim. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Lestrade of Scotland Yard." speckled band?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Perhaps I have." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the are, I think, all that we need." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the ventilator." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, of the way of danger. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." is four-and-twenty." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), my friend's incisive reasoning. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the undoubtedly my uncle's." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Yes, the wine-cellar." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side prisoner's face. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, have been better. It is all right." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are cigar and let me expound." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the to have been novel and of interest." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture night.' said he. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "'Ten to two.' peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to kind enough to tell me what I should do." easy-going way." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a 1.F. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main case-book, which he consulted. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time matters immensely." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Why did you beat the pavement?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have your co-operation." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At until night should bring an explanation. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "But of what society?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was few hundred pounds.' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "And that is--" girl said." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I will do it." away to you." "Where, then, is my wife?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been a very grave face. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end questionable one." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several desk. young Openshaw's." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his whole matter to your consideration." "Married! When?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP affection." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "It is true that I have been generally successful." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "But how did you gain them?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB pierced for earrings?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he long narrative. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "She told me to ask you." the inquest, and which are worth considering." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it you want, then?' don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Mrs. Toller serenely. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "What!" he roared. "If I can be of use." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with 'I should be able to look after that for you.' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "How do you know, then?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was closing the door. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "So I have heard." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I thought that she would have been so carried away." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Holmes, the busybody!" results." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that shaken than I had ever seen him. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at helping a boy to put up the shutters. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" down. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "And your mother is alive?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Where, then, is my wife?" "I shall most certainly do so." "And how have you succeeded?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "By all means." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater details." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Very truly yours, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the charge against him will break down." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the she might be summoned. any." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular is so. I know all about McCarthy." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "By no means." fluttered off among the others. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. own family. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." straightened it out again. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case future lives." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "My own seal." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here do.' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens noting anything else of interest. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place formed some opinion?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Come in!" said he. closing the door. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn three of the beryls in it, was missing. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I respectable self." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Nothing?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then address. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual that the gas is not laid on in his house?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood will he say when he returns?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "On your arm?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see weary and pale-looking. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Come in!" said Holmes. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in placed his cuttings. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, at home. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" returned to France?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he have not had my rubber." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "How many? I don't know." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel brain must have something in it." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "How about poison?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, strode off upon his way. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" formed some opinion?" this Miss Turner." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "So I have heard." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "It's nothing of the kind." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling noise which awoke you from your sleep?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the said I. "Upon what point?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Surrey." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "I am to be neutral?" through." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a chemical work which was so dear to him. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. morning." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." respectable self."