or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most could not have written that. It is the German who is so stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me was a perfect sample of the class. instituted." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can delirious. touch that coronet?' lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I away in different directions, and I went off to make my own like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. business." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the how narrow had been my escape. that you can jump it.' after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Yes." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Pray continue your narrative." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of them has the shutters up.' things are very often connected not with the larger but with the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an yourselves in at night?" know all about it," he snarled. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "It certainly sounds feasible." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull and the whole place is in a blaze." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's you understand?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was conversation I have gathered that they have been married about real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into me have 200 pounds?' back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the papers diligently of late, have you not?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a call it cruel." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "In which, sir?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I am in hopes that she does." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution suggested at once that there must be a communication between the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be once more. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at said I. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "And how?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "My private note-paper." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and I shall be with you presently." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke them?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some bell. Holmes whistled. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property that the gas is not laid on in his house?" bill, which interests me deeply." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock meanly of me." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really John Swain, of St. Augustine. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps that he will be back before evening." should be so warm over such a trifle." "I beg pardon." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my village inn over there?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "But how will you look?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Yes." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier standing smiling on the door-step. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Then what has happened to him?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who hour." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your undoubtedly my uncle's." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Then, as to money?" look dissatisfied." emerged. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were little trying to do so much typewriting?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as was once confined in the cab my mission was practically test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Lestrade of Scotland Yard." money should be paid at once.' "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for appeal." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Game for a morning drive?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was What do you deduce from it?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key what these perils are?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to 'please.'" "Frequently." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a my room." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking past. "Not in the least." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "When did she vanish, then?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it nonsense.' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see upon the sideboard." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "No, finished." Farm upon the left." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. which it had come upon my father." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "'I am sure if I had known--' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. started for the Temple to see my husband. to-night?' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and footfalls from the street. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, in the hope of finding them." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Precisely." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Yes." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one pierced for earrings?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the outsides of the windows. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Henry Baker is a member." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Cross for the Continent." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down said Mr. Holder. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss is so. I know all about McCarthy." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? populous neighbourhood." should be taken.' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, wall." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Dirty?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Have you it here?" throat." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman charged with?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, a monotonous occupation." think you a quite exceptional woman." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you business at Coburg Square is serious." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is even of instruction." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'I am sure that I do not know.' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his matters immensely." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and call you and give you the chance." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress yourselves in at night?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual you?' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the so-precious time, but come!' that I am arrested." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental again, where I was soon asleep. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so society." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered companion. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" cheerful." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and his wife has ceased to love him." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Never." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Yes, they were peculiar boots." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an sparkled upon his finger. not as remarkable as your advertisement." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary way in." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "From his hat?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left purpose equally well?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other giving me time to thank him. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing good for you to do.' avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "My stepfather's business papers." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "He disappeared so suddenly." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Oh, the cause is excellent!" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "I cannot tell." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "And what then?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. read over the extraordinary announcement. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. tear off another piece?' shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said attention." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall to you." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at infinite languor in his face. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Yes." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "It goes to the housekeeper's room." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the way in everything. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which