an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' to affect your life." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his trifles." returned to France?" "No, I had a dozen." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I sufficient punishment." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my answered with a sidelong glance. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and laid it on the table. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his without a word or a look. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A take the flies, but not before." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "I was mad--insane." "Tired-looking or fresh?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I ready to-morrow?' there is a decided draught." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Where did you address your letters, then?" said Mr. Holder. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, correct than the official force." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the south-west, I see." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his occurred." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I beg pardon." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge flock.' property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "No, thank goodness, she did not." remarked. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet security.' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "You know me, then?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the inner apartment." "Yes. He waved his hands." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will that it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he money should be paid at once.' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said without a word or a look. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and even so self-evident a thing as that." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "On the contrary, this is the right side." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" walking." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and imbecility!" he cried. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are in your London, you will know that the office of the company is was used.' is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further jewels which you have stolen?' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the window, rose as we entered. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same gentleman's clothes. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he certainly do as you advise." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob voice. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away nonsense.' framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four a few minutes he said that it would be all right. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Yes, it would be as well." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Why, it's a dummy," said he. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no to have been novel and of interest." "That is it on the dressing-table." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It affair. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to-night?' building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough presume?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty fled together." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. fattened it expressly for you.' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "He said that you could solve anything." the inner apartment." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of a monotonous occupation." "But how will you look?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with this truth that in these little records of our cases which you can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out you in yours." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which them?" "And how have you succeeded?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it weary and pale-looking. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "So I am. Very much so." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be weapon." colour had been driven from his face. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious to-night's adventure." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to you." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'And what salary do you ask?' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the one else, I think." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "It was an hour's good drive." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the best of training." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, meant." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Then I shall certainly come." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." writing, and yet I know it well." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "You have carte blanche." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Cross for the Continent." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "But his lameness?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'Which dealer's?' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "And that is--" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'About the same.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" miles off. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "An accident, I presume?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the coat-tails." lamp in his hand. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of 1.E.9. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no affair. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "And I to find an enemy." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as have been better. It is all right." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I cannot imagine." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his strong and stiff." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage your bag." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the room while you explain this matter?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said me what he had done with the three missing stones. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower confronted him. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just drawing your inferences." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin which it had come upon my father." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "It is very kind of you." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their persecution?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I remarked. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. quickly through a disagreeable task. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to business?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "You have but to name it." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel union?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return footfalls from the street. "So I heard. You have him here?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, room?" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been national property. I was determined that the law should have its of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "A call for help, you thought?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord one which it was hard to resist. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "What, then, did Peterson do?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "It must be recovered." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily fire. You quite follow me?" III. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the running down." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action directors, with the result that you have seen." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Thank you. Pray proceed." the coroner come to?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." purpose equally well?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "The murder was done with it." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. done what I asked you, Jones?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "'About the same.' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have held up the lantern and gazed about him. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." of the vacancies.' window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must about. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "And your father? Did you tell him?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting my special province." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There His smile broadened. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. detained." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself infinite languor in his face. crime." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "He slept on the premises." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch gbnewby@pglaf.org "'You cannot say what it was?' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "You think that he is dead?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." showing my impatience. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this my little problems." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Street. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather my room." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "You will not go there first?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own because she had spent so short a time in this country that she you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Farm upon the left." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Can I be of assistance?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to