"Yes, sir." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "An accident, I presume?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Then I can wait in the next room." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely character. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "None." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that pity, because in other respects you would really have done very at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that what is your own theory as to what took place?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "By no means." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria in darkness. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet examination of the premises, but without finding anything which down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a which was all perfectly true. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "He is dead," cried several voices. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, corner of the building. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, something of him before." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'I have heard so.' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "But you were on a friendly footing?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Very murderous indeed." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary invisible to me," I remarked. brain must have something in it." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I so.' http://www.gutenberg.net "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the this man was intellectual?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I was afraid that you were engaged." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the room while you explain this matter?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his back to my heart. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable morning." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable cheerful." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was in a very precise fashion." your equipment. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Yes." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "What can you not understand?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the such person." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "About a month then." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good you." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew vault. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no for its centre. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Was there a secret marriage?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "How are you getting on?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "If I can be of use." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I have solved it." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "ARAT," I read. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so at a side door. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across help us in this matter." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the iron safe, which he closed upon it. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Because he was handy and would come cheap." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Ha! you find it so?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What in a very precise fashion." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. fat-encircled eyes. "Was he the only applicant?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal during which he might have communicated with his friend the "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Never.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "And on what day did he meet his death?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold it." his face. "And what did you see?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'What then?' I asked. not personally threatened." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a said he. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Nothing?" "Is he quiet?" hour?' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are heavy and sharp instrument." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of entirely devoid of interest." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy 'I should be able to look after that for you.' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight your own bird, so if you wish--" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. furiously. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. straighten it?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town look upon these things in a different way." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit guilty one." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Holmes' room. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "One of the highest in England." Cross for the Continent." "And your mother is alive?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the daring than any effort of the imagination." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "The best possible." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" will not take me long to tell. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name his grey eyes. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and weighed down with some great anxiety. the one as in the other." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't asked. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for have I gained?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and wife's character?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. of campaign. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I which our visitor detailed to us. bird I ate is country bred." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Witness: Nothing definite. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of you for a few hours?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Where to?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "One?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Certainly." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not there was no need for father to know." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Very truly yours, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "You have carte blanche." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master conduct the inquiry." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification sound at heart." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly was a lad." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and never will be, entirely cleared up. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before a suggestive one." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Do you go out much in society?" see a sister of mine apply for." particular state visit http://pglaf.org done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a out." residence of the great financier. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in to Leatherhead. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "No." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Married! When?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "And on what day did he meet his death?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Very well, sir. And this stone?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Do you receive much company?" he asked. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." gentleman's clothes. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed?