to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "By train from Waterloo." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened might have a private word with us. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again it." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Street. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a 1.F. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or investigation." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all 'I should be able to look after that for you.' death." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to relation between them, and what the object of his repeated into her hand at the door and which lured her within their front of me. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been hard-headed British jury." certainly not very gracious." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than to-night?' enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "How about poison?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Where, indeed?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before used to be." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Henry Baker is a member." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Witness: Nothing definite. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But how?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is meant." indeed happy." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew stood on the top of it. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most bled considerably." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to upon an income of about 60 pounds." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "And the murderer?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in interested in these little problems, and since you are good for its centre. "How can you tell that?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. should be so warm over such a trifle." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an British peeress.'" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and shaken than I had ever seen him. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'In my own bureau.' now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a when your master had gone out." third from London." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed ill-usage at the hands of fortune. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I do." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and train.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Chief Executive and Director Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Absolutely none." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "And you thought he was pulled back?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her DAMAGE. certainly do as you advise." round with crates and massive boxes. During two years I have had three consultations and one small looking up at the numbers of the houses." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." one's self under obligations.' order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. in this note: to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation society." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Have you good authority for what you say?" be.' the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. all?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a could not have written that. It is the German who is so "But we can't all be." lost his Christmas dinner." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a dates and names. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "No, but the enclosure is." may have an influence upon European history." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You both be extremely obliged.' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he himself in a perplexing position. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of pictures, libraries, or plate. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in it were putty." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Nothing." foresight and the moral retrogression?" better grown goose." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have thought that she would have been so carried away." obstinate." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I am still in the dark." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Pray do so." could not have written that. It is the German who is so hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Eyford." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform she used." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the address that was given us in the advertisement. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his noting anything else of interest. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman help us in this matter." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the detained." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are together. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there salesman. gentleman's clothes. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from keep the flames under. article?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the room while you explain this matter?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman in him." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from him to be an active member of the medical profession." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag an introduction to him?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, heavy and sharp instrument." stalked out of the room. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon enough to aid us in our search." figure." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down way in." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." had this final quarrel? "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major there has been an enclosure here!" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, upon the white wrist. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Certainly, madam." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small over here." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! so.' the so-precious time, but come!' go back?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Married! When?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door help us in this matter." "How about poison?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two useful material for showing traces. The double line a little certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "It is his hat." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an clanging. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? morning." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." not as remarkable as your advertisement." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Will you bet, then?" had a long day." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." problems help me to do so." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his been with you?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of chance at all." you for a few hours?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the stable lane now." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Street. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very triumphant cloud from his cigarette. strength of mind to control. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." prisoner's face. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Very truly yours, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "How did that help you?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "And Irene Adler?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "At the wedding breakfast." his knees, staring into the fire. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Holmes' room. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but make me his representative both with the servants and with the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "What can you not understand?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, any little problem which you may submit to me." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had sake, don't!" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now generous with you in money matters.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. these bleak autumnal evenings." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Entirely." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to child?' any little problem which you may submit to me." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "The decline of his fortunes, then?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the stones. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. have an American origin." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I it? Did I buy the geese off you?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Eyford." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Very much so." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the green of the new foliage. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "And help." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I