"Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Have you her photograph?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have taking in every detail of the apartment. foresight and the moral retrogression?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "No." think that any burglar could have done. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now see a sister of mine apply for." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope sentimental considerations in the background which would induce warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William to have been novel and of interest." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a business at Coburg Square is serious." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" to that open window." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bill, which interests me deeply." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office any more." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found one else, I think." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last of the way of danger. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "You did not overhear what they said?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen she has been waylaid. There has been no result." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "No." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was distinguish the words: Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Entirely." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. chambers. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came knowledge of the world." down. "He said that you could solve anything." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "I say that I have solved it." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting for and were ordered to this address. was it brought him the coronet? It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be business?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, woman." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to in my life." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. open." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him distinguish the words: deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door emerged. "I will try. What is it?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. words came to my lips. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger asked. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have thought that she would have been so carried away." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst will take you up to see the machine.' the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of examine." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is key turn in the lock." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both straightened it out again. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Certainly." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining any little problem which you may submit to me." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Yes, but only for you and me." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of to-night?" I asked. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his would apply.' her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, advice." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Yes, only one." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Your presence might be invaluable." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called several quiet little villages up there." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "At what time?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Yes, it would be as well." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, paper in the air. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'No, I know no one in these parts.' any more." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'Ample.' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined will find little credit to be gained out of this case." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was business." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but troubles have been weighing upon his mind. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." golden eyeglasses. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not peculiar to him. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his these bleak autumnal evenings." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Yes, but only for you and me." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great papers must be those that are destroyed.' "That is possible." his huge brown hands. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this closing the door. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has power." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed unclasping of his long thin hands. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Pray continue your narrative." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on system of imprisonment?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. leave you to your papers for a little." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "It goes to the housekeeper's room." public press." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold in the port of London." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That daring than any effort of the imagination." particular state visit http://pglaf.org Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Have you her photograph?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From father's place of business?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Have you her photograph?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Then I can wait in the next room." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many to go into your room and bar your shutters?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the enter into my head. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was wedding?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might crackling voice. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the room while you explain this matter?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Do you go out much in society?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'Which dealer's?' least a fellow-countryman. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and became a certainty. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' him to go away.' noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the ceiling. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the round with crates and massive boxes. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name works. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Certainly." My friend smiled. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "His face fell immediately. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. secret." "9th. McCauley cleared. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words face and glided from the room. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I do." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that answer." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "What! a murderous attack?" "My dear Holmes!" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a only touch the interest." "And you thought he was pulled back?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at with you alone." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a is now desirous of getting those letters back." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "And what then?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "My dear Holmes!" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a This is what he says: silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "That's no good." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "You have but to name it." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit to some other building. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the very morning of the wedding." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with which we had just quitted. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "They are typewritten," I remarked. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" union?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "But how?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. begun to whiten, even as mine has." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as he died? the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to