"It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were morning." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have against a man in the prime of life?" father's young wife. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the running down." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me questionable one." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like gone. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "And the cigar-holder?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "And sit in the dark?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon jewels which you have stolen?' best detective that ever lived. shoulder; "he's all right." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used bird of prey. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but carried out of court." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. corner of the building. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the acted in my house last night?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a appeared upon the scene." "But the mystery?" strength." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have second window is the one that I jumped from." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' upon a handsome competence. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid out." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an with some details as to your case." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the awaited us upon the table. directly by questioning you." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are pierced for earrings?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and effective." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "There is the writing." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while unclasping of his long thin hands. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter me. You must get home instantly and act." "Game for a morning drive?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." happened." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "It is very clear." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings her also." here." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But his left-handedness." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it said I. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident call for it in person on Monday morning.' it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. over part of the map. "What do you read?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other you in your example." maid will bring up your coffee." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "The gentleman I describe." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "And how have you succeeded?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a carpenter." present." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. true." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, him and tried to hold him back. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house money should be paid at once.' been lifted and conveyed somewhere." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to way: not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Yes, sir." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was of his shoulders. "I shall most certainly do so." again on its way. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, married her." dead, shall be safe with us." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our should be so warm over such a trifle." "And how?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." stammered. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I never have." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. His name is Francis Prosper." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it is four-and-twenty." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are as he remarks, very much against the son." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the sooner or later she must fall a victim. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Where, indeed?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the said I. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural him. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. business." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which very morning of my second wedding." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name outbreak?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so brandy and water within his reach. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Lee, in the county of Kent." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Yes, all." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'Yes, sir.' elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than bell. Holmes whistled. stammered. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'Where could I find him?' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up at home. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I am following you closely," I answered. society." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I am armed." locked. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out public press." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard and have this put in the evening papers." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "He said that you could solve anything." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the happened." "The Cedars?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, bell. Holmes whistled. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "No sign of it?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the money should be paid at once.' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my be. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. fat-encircled eyes. mysterious business." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. said I. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, crackling voice. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with mysterious business." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance telegram would bring me down to your help." only touch the interest." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such following enigmatical notices: conduct the inquiry." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR persecution?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if http://www.gutenberg.net along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists gbnewby@pglaf.org terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the have established a very serious case against the son of the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "If so, much may have happened between." "I am to be neutral?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "His face fell immediately. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Eh? What was that?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "But not more so than I to find you." you do it in twenty minutes!' to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "You think that he is dead?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Witness: Nothing definite. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was of." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked bears upon the case?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too jewels which you have stolen?' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Really! You surprise me." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "No more words. Get out!" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been my friend's incisive reasoning. "In what way?" asked Holmes. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something friends, not even his own brother. "But what will you do?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This on re-entering her father's house?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in any." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, distinguish the words: "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "So I am. Very much so." "'Ten to two.' these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Can I be of assistance?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and a shock of very red hair. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If your equipment. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might one of them." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in time." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "I cannot think." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'Stolen!' he cried. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's me." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence