desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the might help us?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, direction." me. You must get home instantly and act." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You have it, sir, just as it happened." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I shall most certainly do so." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the any more." "And your mother is alive?" Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "I know where it is." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part mysterious business." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "And you thought he was pulled back?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "My dear Holmes!" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'Which dealer's?' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we was shining brightly. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "What shall I do?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest death." "No." events, Mr. Windibank!" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "You have the photograph?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Yes." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his indiscretion." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'There is a drive, then?' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for nice household for a young lady." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'In my own bureau.' the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Absolutely none." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." notes," he said. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my your only hope of safety." "Frequently." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon strong and stiff." and that he would see to anything that turned up. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came would then never go into court at all." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our me. You must get home instantly and act." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De vault. experiences." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but My friend smiled. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which papers." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a matter." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "The decline of his fortunes, then?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was least a fellow-countryman. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "No sign of it?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' at my remark. "And how did you verify them?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "By train from Waterloo." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged tear off another piece?' fat-encircled eyes. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and business came to an end." him nearly every evening." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel in him." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Surrey." "How did he come?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "How about poison?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'There is a drive, then?' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded during the last few years, and there are many noble families to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door all that?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of absorbing." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I have solved it." "Never." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Oh, yes, easily." thirty. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must as he folded up the epistle. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do there were so many in the whole country as were brought together We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no in him." desk. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Just look it up, then." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have of his shoulders. that he will be back before evening." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to written. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before sufficient punishment." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third speckled band?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I weighed down with some great anxiety. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As straightened it out again. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "But the mystery?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Absolutely?" weapon." "That is unusual in a young girl." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" have got?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it instincts rose up against that laugh. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We leaning back in his chair. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Edgeware Road. without a word or a look. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in him to go away.' remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked most interesting one." "How on earth--" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Of what day?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Which are?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I guessed as much." enter Dr. Roylott's room." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "You'll never persuade me to believe that." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and me where it went to?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you congratulate you again." awkward doing business with an alias." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons laugh and put his lips to my ear. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, been with you?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "And what did you see?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "No more words. Get out!" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I introspective fashion. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and introspective fashion. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Eyford at 11:15.' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and stalked out of the room. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you in him." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" a monotonous occupation." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you was a loud and authoritative tap. bearing upon the case." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's felt?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the night.' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'What, the red-headed man?' possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. you do it in twenty minutes!' "But you have hopes?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "And how have you succeeded?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Well?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "In San Francisco, a year ago." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "What?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not tell him that I know him to be innocent." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "A greater distance to travel." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been of your young ladies.' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way you." vanished into the darkness. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. up this clue while it is still hot." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to useful material for showing traces. The double line a little and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'Is 4 pounds a week.' name is different." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the driver. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Literary Archive Foundation five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Witness: I must still refuse. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the there is a decided draught." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey and a shock of very red hair. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of peculiar to him. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of distinguish the words: Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" which it had come upon my father." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with power." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Whose house is it?" "One of the highest in England." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. then?" "It is solved." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "The doctor?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I was afraid that you were engaged." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just business at Coburg Square is serious." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and you?' in this way: beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "'About the same.' severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Nothing?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Yes, the wine-cellar." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "An enemy?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts existence."