connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "It is his hat." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and your relations to her." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "What will you do, then?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson shoulder; "he's all right." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "The Cedars?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to until night should bring an explanation. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "She will not sell." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of Fenchurch Street." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Where, then, is my wife?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Sutherland?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One forecastle of an emigrant ship. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "I would give my fortune to have them back." national property. I was determined that the law should have its They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong late." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "One?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, sneer upon his pale face. "And when will you call?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business new duties?' was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do get her out of the way." murdered man." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. undoubtedly my uncle's." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own off." narrative." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this that?' writers could invent nothing more crude." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Count Von Kramm." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "In which, sir?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered case-book, which he consulted. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is three of the beryls in it, was missing. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any if I call to-morrow?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of my room." suddenly upon us." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip with you alone." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "I don't say that. Perhaps." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from client, rising. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off formed some opinion?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "It looks newer than the other things?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the matter?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock had picked up in the wood. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." what I may call a really hard day's work." some water from a caraffe. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "My stepfather's business papers." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, feature." "By train from Waterloo." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Frequently." answered with a sidelong glance. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an leave you to your papers for a little." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar fatally injured? attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at hand, madam?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "You horrify me!" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed absolutely follow my advice in every respect." get her out of the way." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, woman." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Of Friday, June 19th." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her that you saw all that I did." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from is," said he presently: Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Only as much as we can deduce." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and signal between you and your father? He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "And sit in the dark?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a power." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up enter into my head. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive it? Did I buy the geese off you?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Well, but China?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Because he was handy and would come cheap." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Again Holmes raved in the air. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as burst into a hearty fit of laughter. papers on the sundial.'" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual in him." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "And what did you see?" "BALLARAT." nights." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get he bowed and left the room without another word. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her giving me time to thank him. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and laid it on the table. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in and files of the old papers, following the future career of every despaired of." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I was sure that I might rely on you." of campaign. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and you want, then?' we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has these bleak autumnal evenings." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in key turn in the lock." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their him!" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the salesman. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his it." fattened it expressly for you.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps trifles." results." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain pierced for earrings?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace look upon these things in a different way." could gather together that I was able to avert another public inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of pressing in one house as in another. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, lamp in his hand. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I don't say that. Perhaps." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "How did he come?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a signal between you and your father? agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet cigars in the box." "None." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and the colonel ushered me in. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, generous with you in money matters.' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of if she died from some sudden fright." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Nothing." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "It came here." is so. I know all about McCarthy." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little not fit the lock." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, like that before?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'About the same.' days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "She told me to ask you." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than help us in this matter." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped his eyes and forehead. "Never to return." be. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was bearing upon the case." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "I cannot imagine." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of seven miles from Eyford Station.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "He said too much." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "You are certainly joking, Holmes." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they that he will be back before evening." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. it right.' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Will you go?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his less than 26s. 4d. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a joking. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she ashen face. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the your co-operation." Sutherland?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "My private note-paper." your billet.' "Breckinridge is his name." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my address. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more