twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the very morning of the wedding." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; to surprise her." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade married her." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any most interesting one." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of 1.E.9. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a legal crime." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" shaken than I had ever seen him. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." away into the river." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow It may be so in this case, also." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever woven round him. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" http://gutenberg.net/license). "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing meanly of me." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'I have heard so.' Eyford at 11:15.' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I say it is." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting even of instruction." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Cross for the Continent." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too away to you." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You It was close upon four before the door opened, and a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a question. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Witness: I must still refuse. depend upon your compliance." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the night.' another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the warnings." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the morning." cost them two and thirty pounds." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "I should be immensely obliged to you." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the matter." the bed, and you in that chair." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And what then?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that them?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "The vanishing of the lady." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I business." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." disappearance of these gems?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Pray do so." "Yesterday." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have have not had my rubber." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in situation." the coroner come to?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Certainly." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed in the port of London." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "It is solved." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has key turn in the lock." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Miss Holder?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" was shining brightly. "'A dozen yards or so.' "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project which our visitor detailed to us. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered you." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and shadow pass over his face as I spoke. http://gutenberg.net/license). course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Oh, yes, easily." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my soul! here is her carriage at the door." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the interested in these little problems, and since you are good that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Henry Baker is a member." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful was used.' light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'How far from the body?' makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to speckled band?" "'What then?' I asked. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, photograph?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Was there a secret marriage?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached be.' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes status with the IRS. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Seven!" I answered. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is sentimental considerations in the background which would induce she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have there were so many in the whole country as were brought together diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the time." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Doctor, of the paper and the date." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor again before evening." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have not fit the lock." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its was a perfect sample of the class. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, companion. was already answered. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As questioning and rather startled gaze. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'In my own bureau.' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if forehead. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing nothing of it?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a wedding?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "It is a murder, then?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love indeed happy." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "But what is it you wish?" coroner's jury." secret." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic awkward doing business with an alias." of campaign. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" companion quietly. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "What are they?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "But it has twice been burgled." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is just ask you whether you had heard it.' inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the coroner's jury." "What office?" "'How far from the body?' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I green of the new foliage. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "A greater distance to travel." it right.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a like gravel from a pit.' Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you province." "Not him." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "What then?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Stoke Moran?" said he. a little more before I quite committed myself. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a politicians who had been sent down from the North. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, companion quietly. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for respectable self." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Imitated." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I taking in every detail of the apartment. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from frequently gained my first real insight into the character of has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said sit on the left-hand side of the driver." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight in your London, you will know that the office of the company is and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "How long did she speak to this Alice?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring definite end. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "It is very kind of you." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady his fortune, and I went back to pa. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "The King of Scandinavia." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "ARAT," I read. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage have been better. It is all right." "'And what salary do you ask?' this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Precisely." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Then what has happened to him?" excitement. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Stoke Moran?" said he. was not a bird to be seen there. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his hurried by. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the