base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took begin with, and I had not got mine yet." to Leatherhead. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "But to whom?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done overpowering excitement and concern. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "And from a noble client?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Oh, fresh and glossy." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' signal between you and your father? "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a This is what he says: "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "No." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Witness: It was. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "It is no ordinary one." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "You have compromised yourself seriously." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "But I am all in the dark." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and beg that you will break it off." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the handed it to him. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No over part of the map. "What do you read?" is," said he presently: and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so attention." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." young Openshaw's." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Precisely." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the warnings." "Come in!" said he. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it really the only notable feature about the thing." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the before the coroner and the police-court." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. gone before you can get him to hospital." "Who was the criminal, then?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then absolutely follow my advice in every respect." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots and the colonel ushered me in. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I beg pardon." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a himself to hunt down. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "He slept on the premises." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the written, and locked the door of the office after me. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present front of the hall door has given its name to the place. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was The telegram which we eventually received came late one night The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the so-precious time, but come!' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" business in the City. She little knew what. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which existence." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Yes, it was twisted." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Then you may entirely rely on me." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of awaited us upon the table. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant round and wave him away like that.' "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate himself in a perplexing position. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Perhaps I have." to have that photograph." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his and it need not interfere very much with one's other is entirely a question of barometric pressure." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under voice. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. call for it in person on Monday morning.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "VIOLET HUNTER." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and you." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Yes." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, himself. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind this poor creature." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the once more for Briony Lodge. invisible to me," I remarked. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm gives a meaning to it." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in unprecedented a position." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if to take care of herself." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a shall not find me ungrateful." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and such person." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I think that it is very probable." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "That is not always so easy." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "And what did you learn from him?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey been." "I will get her to show me." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Tired-looking or fresh?" help us in this matter." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Breckinridge is his name." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you is worth.' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "At the wedding breakfast." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "No, I had a dozen." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Well." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Perfectly so." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Were they all fastened this morning?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; God! What an exposure! What can I do?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there a few minutes he said that it would be all right. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to ventilator." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the south-west, I see." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Absolutely none." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room this Miss Turner." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying mysterious end." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Entirely." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. was already answered. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life death." excitement. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "It certainly sounds feasible." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during once more to my work. have an American origin." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. public press." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was ashen face. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "I have my revolver," said I. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Then he might have called to you?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are carried out of court." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last purpose of examination. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "You think so, too?" "And from a noble client?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'Certainly,' I answered. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but or other trace. But how on earth--" locked. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "What!" he roared. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Really! You surprise me." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "No, I had a dozen." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several this remarkable episode. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin with you alone." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "You saw the ventilator, too?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Will you go?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, was feeling which was the fattest.' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. head. So long, then!" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon me." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if relation between them, and what the object of his repeated chance." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he own family. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that believe that I should never have any practice at all. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I think it very unlikely." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Proceed, then." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible light and attacked it." made him keep the appointment." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I see no marks." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should whether it answered to the description of any of their yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as in this way: lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'You cannot say what it was?' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "No legal papers or certificates?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for me what he had done with the three missing stones. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John definite end. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "He disappeared so suddenly." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have side. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very learned something! Where are the gems?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his fattened it expressly for you.' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, chance." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "In what way?" asked Holmes. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and but preventing her from injuring another. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us to go into your room and bar your shutters?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of I have it here in my museum." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "My own seal." "You know me, then?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the correct than the official force." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British