"I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, as he remarks, very much against the son." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Holmes' room. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been golden eyeglasses. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Have you it here?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' hair?' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and a shock of very red hair. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in manager. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after status with the IRS. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "We were both in the photograph." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in interests were the same as his." to have been novel and of interest." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and hands. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Did he not advertise?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner characteristics, but those are the more obvious." examine." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "And you don't know his address?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "You are certainly joking, Holmes." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised cigars in the box." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth you for a few hours?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague States. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows was shining brightly. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "There is the writing." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "It may not come to that," said Holmes. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at to me. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I cannot as yet see any connection." anything to do with the matter?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman question," said Holmes, smiling. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of secret." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker round with crates and massive boxes. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same that I may have something better before very many minutes are himself to tell his story. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, just called myself is not exactly my own." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until side. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a leave you to your papers for a little." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I cannot tell." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was one of them." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'Then let me do so?' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'Most admirably.' several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "That is not always so easy." already been minutely examined." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend this poor creature." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San one which it was hard to resist. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, eat it." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "We were both in the photograph." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Lee, in the county of Kent." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman you came in." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" gentleman's clothes. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid new acquaintance to Baker Street. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Get out!" said he. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you not, dad?" she asked. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by papers." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the Assizes." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" said he. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told prisoner's face. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "When did it break out?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, a suggestive one." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in companion. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Henry Baker is a member." "Can I be of assistance?" "Precisely so. But how--" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. paper in the air. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings manager. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, hurried away. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was My friend smiled. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt there is a decided draught." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small you in your example." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Yes, all." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Yes, I have one waiting." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the desk. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in would apply.' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'You doubt its value?' he asked. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Imitated." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a know that the truth is known." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Imitated." sake, don't!" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "To the police?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "My opinion is in no way altered." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they that you can jump it.' "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "But you have hopes?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "You have carte blanche." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "From his hat?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "He said too much." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his so.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be said he. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would him to be an active member of the medical profession." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "I cannot as yet see any connection." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? II. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became I shall continue with my miserable story. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." something of him before." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "About a month then." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would should be so warm over such a trifle." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Serpentine Avenue. "And it is--" "Is he quiet?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well do you make of it all?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, imbecility!" he cried. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was down. "But to whom?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Literary Archive Foundation "But what is it you wish?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Won't it ring?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Which are?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some do." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the away into the river." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need I shall continue with my miserable story. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at letters?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked me what he had done with the three missing stones. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' look upon these things in a different way." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to hand, madam?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during occurred." himself to hunt down. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "She told me to ask you." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of detective. written. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Where, then, is my wife?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the delighted to hear it," he said. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are gives a meaning to it." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes conclusions. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point question you as to those details which seem to me to be most was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind gives a meaning to it." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, only touch the interest." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the highroad, where all traces were lost. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a carpenter." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." the general public were present, then?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of quite distinctive." "My opinion is in no way altered." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture bachelor.' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the bottom.' "'Where to?' not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man.