we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. companion. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Yes, he did." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "What can you not understand?" light and attacked it." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my meanly of me." that he will be back before evening." "It is very clear." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was undoubtedly my uncle's." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which forehead. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Leadenhall Street--and--" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then head. So long, then!" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If you in yours." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the crowd. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the discontent upon his features. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I am all attention, madam." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the coronet at all injured?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't and the church but not where the lady lived." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "But how?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning in a friendly supper." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," manager. reach." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but anything to a woman, for she would have her way." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Was there a secret marriage?" the matter." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to wife's character?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before appeal." invisible to me," I remarked. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied heavy and sharp instrument." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Holmes." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "How did that help you?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." call it cruel." must compliment you." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away States. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Pray tell us what has happened to you." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the himself to tell his story. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "In which, sir?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Look there!" said he. shoulder. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Yes." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding with her." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "9th. McCauley cleared. me. You must get home instantly and act." address. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. away to you." "It missed him, then?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was fact, we may call it conclusive." "And for present expenses?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "But what will you do?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "How did you trace it, then?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'About the same.' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much certainly not very gracious." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Pray let us have it, for all that." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "What! a murderous attack?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Then, as to money?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. union?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, mystery." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the bed, and you in that chair." helping a boy to put up the shutters. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "How many? I don't know." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He is," said he presently: "He is dead," cried several voices. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "You horrify me!" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the tear off another piece?' I nodded again. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate your bag." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for over his head with a sweet womanly caress. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must upon the shelf for the interim." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to know all about it," he snarled. fuss that is made over them." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some one or two very singular points about this room. For example, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is which I could not give. He asked for Alice. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith prepare for the new role I have to play." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Nothing." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I am sure." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'Stolen!' he cried. "You are hungry," I remarked. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we official police." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Yes." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "At what time?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'And the work?' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "My last client of the sort was a king." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "That is not always so easy." and the whole place is in a blaze." "You have the photograph?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that never came back." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your child?' with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'About the same.' he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public delighted to hear it," he said. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "None." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." questioning and rather startled gaze. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it and your relations to her." had formerly been in part my own. observed. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are union?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "And how in the world did you find them?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I say that I have solved it." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "My own seal." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint bed dies. Does not that strike you?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum strength in the others." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "But the mystery?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a thin legs towards the fire. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hour." "It surprised me." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I assure you that I am in your hands." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my four million human beings all jostling each other within the made him keep the appointment." "You have a clue?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards I shall continue with my miserable story. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back to-night?' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and prepare for the new role I have to play." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the him. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small searched, without anything being found which could incriminate quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable hopeless attempt at recovering them." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "By all means." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction envelope. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and place, I think that there is good ground to think that the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "No, distinctly professional." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your of Fenchurch Street." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a case-book, which he consulted. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Ah!" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." bachelor.' Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put disappearance of these gems?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears McCarthy." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her you, my dear young lady?' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 is acting for the best. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the warnings." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "It looks newer than the other things?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at trifles." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "'Where to?' that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind when you have done it." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'Yes.' "'Certainly not.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at flock.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me."