arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." bachelor.' in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Really! You surprise me." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Tired-looking or fresh?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which strong and stiff." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I am in hopes that she does." "There is the writing." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "One of the highest in England." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales three fields round his house, and there he would take his redistribution. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; matter." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to soul! here is her carriage at the door." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait not as remarkable as your advertisement." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and helping a boy to put up the shutters. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' events than those which have happened in my own family." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Certainly." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "What then?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "What is it, then--a fire?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "She told me to ask you." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'A dozen yards or so.' exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive thought that she would have been so carried away." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of keep the flames under. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very shoulder; "he's all right." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the point in the dark hollow of his hand. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my head. So long, then!" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the your own bird, so if you wish--" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should may never be exposed to such a temptation." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I am to be neutral?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "The doctor?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Yes, it was twisted." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by before, for it was considerably after midnight. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left certainly do as you advise." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Why did you pick him?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in that there was nothing in it, after all." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He gigantic client. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The chambers. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' salesman. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "What will you say?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an one which it was hard to resist. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very business matters.' "No, I think that I'll take it." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But how?" bears upon the case?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful question," said Holmes, smiling. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Just look it up, then." became a certainty. "Dirty?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss said he at last. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the be best to do. used to be." one else, I think." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think is entirely a question of barometric pressure." tension within him. "'As governess?' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." brain must have something in it." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It correct than the official force." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come nonsense.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' anything to do with the matter?" lost nothing by them." "I cannot say that I have." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time room. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white undoubtedly my uncle's." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Yes?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the roots. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew criminal. We have already had experience of such." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very time." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. late!' professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Yes, only one." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me fear." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, comes from the middle window." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he http://www.gutenberg.net therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. time." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip tail." felt the room to be a little close.' for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Then you may be so with me." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "And how in the world did you find them?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. The King stared at him in amazement. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a little adventures." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "But of what society?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "I should be immensely obliged to you." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could But Holmes shook his head gravely. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found deduce something from that?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a newspaper selections." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Won't it ring?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a not fit the lock." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to second." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "By all means." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "What?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed this Miss Turner." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "You forget that I know nothing about it." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to ways of our fellow-men." washing it down with a long draught of water. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been papers diligently of late, have you not?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "To an end?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we exactly what you advise." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in served to weaken the effect. rooms." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "But his lameness?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted occurred." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "The Coroner: What do you mean? so far?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "About a month then." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that brought there to personate someone, and the real person is forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I was afraid that you were engaged." DISSOLVED. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical families. Now for the facts. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the child." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Yesterday." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Precisely." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Yes, sir.' very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden nonsense.' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Precisely so. But how--" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now papers on the sundial.'" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, light and attacked it." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' quick march!" meanly of me." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." presented more singular features than that which was associated "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom key turn in the lock." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Holmes' thin, eager face. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get from the brougham. answer." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Dark enough and sinister enough." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I chemical work which was so dear to him. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we excitement. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she key turn in the lock." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from writer." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "He disappeared so suddenly." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the tightly behind him. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "And how in the world did you find them?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." seven miles from Eyford Station.' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'What then?' I asked. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" used to be." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who straighten it?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the stood on the top of it. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from hurried by. kind enough to tell me what I should do." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up was feeling which was the fattest.' your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough distance from the station, and there we found the young lady man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all you do it in twenty minutes!' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly not as remarkable as your advertisement." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I answered that I had not. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "This concluded the examination of the witness." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible