were unconscious?" danger is over." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "That was it, sir." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat pictures, libraries, or plate. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I would give my fortune to have them back." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" read it out to me." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "I shall be delighted." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed habit of advancing money.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "She walked into the breakfast-room." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "But I am all in the dark." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Not social, then?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "9th. McCauley cleared. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. of them has the shutters up.' observed. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "The King of Scandinavia." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer recall any case within my experience which looked at the first access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the best of training." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it chance at all." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in awaited us upon the table. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning for securing the situation." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who must be when I saw the door open.' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "But his lameness?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no a few minutes he said that it would be all right. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "How often?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand had died away into the silence from which it rose. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "What, then?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, a room. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I saw her in conversation with her maid." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to business?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." been." "It is his hat." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Yes." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as not within a twentieth part of the market price." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a him. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "It looks newer than the other things?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis speckled band?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Seven!" I answered. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the matter?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "By all means." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I you do it in twenty minutes!' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering than was visible to me." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and events, Mr. Windibank!" upon the white wrist. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to populous neighbourhood." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but other lovers by making love himself." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "And Irene Adler?" have had none more fantastic than this." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "No." girl said." "I have hopes." "I will do it." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. is now desirous of getting those letters back." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Do you go out much in society?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and his forehead." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Yes." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "'Then let me do so?' purpose equally well?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "It is no ordinary one." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fuss that is made over them." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by strode off upon his way. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Where does the thing come from?' "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. you, my dear young lady?' it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the said I. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some think that he is innocent?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "The knees of his trousers." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, heavy and sharp instrument." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may come either from the window or the door. My attention was the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "No, distinctly professional." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried call the police, let the police find what they can.' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "And for present expenses?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune it." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was My friend smiled. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic tail." "'And the work?' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "How often?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "How on earth--" desk. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then It may be so in this case, also." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled mystery!" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" you." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled forbidden door. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked keep the flames under. forbidden door. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Entirely." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our been with you?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a one of the states of the Union." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of locked. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Clair, of Lee." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his meant." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Of Friday, June 19th." "I assure you that I am in your hands." returned to France?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, south, for the country is more deserted there." then?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover she to prove their authenticity?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they you in yours." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I woman." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and hereditary King of Bohemia." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I forbidden door. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I think that it is very probable." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "What have you done?" asked Holmes. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my copied or distributed: learned something! Where are the gems?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more strong reason behind." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg key turn in the lock." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "And Miss Sutherland?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic have established a very serious case against the son of the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the you in your example." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the in the dead of the night?' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a tell them apart.' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Oh, the cause is excellent!" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And how in the world did you find them?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "'Never,' said I. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "And I to find an enemy." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason out of this horrible affair." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his their singular warning or token before them when starting upon superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking walking." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'In my own bureau.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Miss Holder?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. of receipt of the work. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Very much so." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, The events in question occurred in the early days of my you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. better in every way that they should make their position a little himself to tell his story. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, of his shoulders. was it brought him the coronet? "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in your billet.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should written. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when drove away. what I may call a really hard day's work." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Was there a secret marriage?" speckled band?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." McCarthy's innocence. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but said I. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "The knees of his trousers." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "But how will you look?" http://www.gutenberg.net advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there client, rising. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The your billet.' another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or