natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast like gravel from a pit.' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, shaken than I had ever seen him. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the distinguish the words: "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." it." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual gbnewby@pglaf.org she slowly sank and died without having recovered her police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "But how did you gain them?" prisoner's face. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "And what did you learn from him?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his so.' With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Why, it's a dummy," said he. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it examine." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." you want, then?' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I and the whole place is in a blaze." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "What do you mean?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "You have compromised yourself seriously." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Then, as to money?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging joking. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the bottom.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." written, and locked the door of the office after me. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Never." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'About the same.' tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Seven!" I answered. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Is he quiet?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Eyford." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven sofa. This way, please!" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "No, distinctly professional." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the directors, with the result that you have seen." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Well, some hundreds of times." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Then how many are there?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR was shining brightly. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he chill to my heart. bird I ate is country bred." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out to Leatherhead. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Eyford at 11:15.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He was already answered. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little noting anything else of interest. "But who is he?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with or in danger--" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Yes, he did." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Entirely." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "And who is her maid?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she ran thus: shall use the carriage to-night." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for gone. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of his huge brown hands. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that You want to know what became of those geese?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught I held the little printed slip to the light. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." on in his house." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my strode off upon his way. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Upon what point?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the inner apartment." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "No. His orders were to stay in the house." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is was it brought him the coronet? "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "And now?" He raised his hand. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "What! a murderous attack?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless thin legs towards the fire. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want woven round him. "'Most admirably.' more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Proceed, then." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the bachelor.' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, article?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "No, distinctly professional." so.' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'I am sure if I had known--' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at yourselves in at night?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "But to whom?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about companion quietly. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood burst into a hearty fit of laughter. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Mrs. Toller serenely. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the best of training." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow second window is the one that I jumped from." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are sentimental considerations in the background which would induce He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in sound at heart." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his morning." "Not him." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "And I to find an enemy." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the dangers which encompass me." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "No, my brougham is waiting." this remarkable episode. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "It was a confession," I ejaculated. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I footfalls from the street. coat-tails." generous with you in money matters.' outbreak?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Of Friday, June 19th." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I success. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the humiliation." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think which I could not give. He asked for Alice. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy keep the flames under. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Pray do so." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Literary Archive Foundation waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the you?" present." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman spare." "Then you may be so with me." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Then you may be so with me." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "And help." of it with the greatest attention. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Certainly." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have I leave." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "What do you mean?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to forbidden door. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Farm upon the left." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did with you?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Henry Baker is a member." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. charge against him will break down." believe that I should never have any practice at all. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the come either from the window or the door. My attention was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent dates and names. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the some terrible trap for her." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "My own seal." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly washing it down with a long draught of water. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to to surprise her." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. him. "I am in hopes that she does." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Then the page we have seen--" the very morning of the wedding." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "She told me to ask you." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of charged with?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' in a very precise fashion." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and the whole place is in a blaze." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks galvanised. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite might help us?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "How many? I don't know." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept charged with?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, strong and stiff." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an into the bag, and made for the door. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Ten will be early enough." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "And what then?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it points in connection with it which never have been, and probably My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "But how could you guess what the motive was?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "And I to find an enemy." father's young wife. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, lost his Christmas dinner." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a nonsense.' got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through friend's singular character. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be