eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of over with notes and figures. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the to have been novel and of interest." tear off another piece?' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the salesman. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the station." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white I shall continue with my miserable story. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of I held the little printed slip to the light. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Arthur Conan Doyle "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, knowledge of the world." definite end. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You are all wrong." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 1.E.9. round and wave him away like that.' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet unprecedented a position." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "What steps will you take?" I asked. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three for the market.' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the fishes. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Never." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "That was it, sir." "Never." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, once more for Briony Lodge. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" with her." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'You doubt its value?' he asked. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of your young ladies.' as he remarks, very much against the son." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the populous neighbourhood." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "He is dead," cried several voices. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more bachelor.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Do you know him?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough retorted upon me, and I on you." wall." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice you want, then?' that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the ceremony." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor were unconscious?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Holmes rather sternly. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay thirty. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "'Oh, no.' official police." trying to your nerves." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Where, indeed?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This had no one to advise her at such a crisis." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in DAMAGE. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge him nearly every evening." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." and that he would see to anything that turned up. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his his eyes and forehead. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "It is to him that this trophy belongs." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Game for a morning drive?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I shall be delighted." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "What then?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Munro.' in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy searched, without anything being found which could incriminate you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are in this way: matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The problems help me to do so." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." sound at heart." papers must be those that are destroyed.' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. of his shoulders. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? upon the white wrist. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a have got?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up direction." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "But how will you look?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "The murder was done with it." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed II. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he felt?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a entirely devoid of interest." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have lectures into a series of tales." in a very precise fashion." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more bare slabs of marble. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not 1.F. "Who by?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. bell. Holmes whistled. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it my little problems." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Again Holmes raved in the air. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, writing, and yet I know it well." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, married her." "But to whom?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door about. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Yes, sir." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were one else, I think." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. that I can to serve you." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment noise which awoke you from your sleep?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet brain must have something in it." experiences." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Yes?" "And the murderer?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Perhaps I have." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the sound at heart." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. thin legs towards the fire. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It is no ordinary one." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the if she died from some sudden fright." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "I cannot say that I have." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Yes?" intrusion of other matters." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so present." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's it." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman over with notes and figures. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'Entirely.' at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, you want, then?' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Stolen, then." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I never have." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young occurred." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I cannot imagine." beyond words. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I matters immensely." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I fear not." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' sentimental considerations in the background which would induce battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was 1.F. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges hard-headed British jury." "I cannot think." "'I have already given you my word.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said digesting their breakfasts at home." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most read it out to me." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he subject to the trademark license, especially commercial without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat one which it was hard to resist. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at 'please.'" breakfast?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Ah!" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and the church but not where the lady lived." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to You want to know what became of those geese?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." certainly do as you advise." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his enough to aid us in our search." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still What do you deduce from it?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you your troubles." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am think that any burglar could have done. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "It is possible." "Eh? What was that?" "An enemy?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing became a certainty. not personally threatened." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "And leave your case unfinished?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I saw her in conversation with her maid." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily felt the room to be a little close.' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore cigars in their mouths. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A see a sister of mine apply for." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'Yes, sir.' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she knowledge of the world." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down he bowed and left the room without another word. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "He is dead," cried several voices. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began you in your example." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "What will you do, then?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "'And the work?' undoubtedly my uncle's." have got?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. that you can jump it.' "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone newspaper selections." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of what do you think they found in the pockets?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to chill to my heart. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "An accident, I presume?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the over part of the map. "What do you read?" remarked. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my delirious. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he British peeress.'" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I beg pardon." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has