prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate asked with his eyes open. "Never." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of shall use the carriage to-night." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "What then?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered never will be, entirely cleared up. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon to some other building. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that himself. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be frequently gained my first real insight into the character of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "And Irene Adler?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for were unconscious?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but fatally injured? writer." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor have accepted such a situation. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which extraordinary contortions. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Here?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A in this note: foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own was it brought him the coronet? together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every words came to my lips. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped remarked. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "To ruin me." best detective that ever lived. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has had a long day." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Won't it ring?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with to affect your life." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I will not look." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I have solved it." "Did you become engaged then?" made him keep the appointment." spare." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of you understand?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I minor matters until to-morrow." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "So I heard. You have him here?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Pray do so." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Why did you beat the pavement?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must you do it in twenty minutes!' he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "But we can't all be." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I would give my fortune to have them back." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his taking in every detail of the apartment. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'A dozen yards or so.' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of even of instruction." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was words came to my lips. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "That is unusual in a young girl." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting public press." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Holmes." "Never." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the asked with his eyes open. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Yes." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few friends, not even his own brother. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any it." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled your most interesting statement." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You official police." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep chance at all." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered into her hand at the door and which lured her within their how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "She showed me, as I told you she would." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. carpenter." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could to tell." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Holmes' face clouded over. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect weighed down with some great anxiety. "And what did you learn from him?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying said I. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Was he the only applicant?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a lips." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Mary, has deserted me." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to be best to do. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "We were both in the photograph." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "How long did she speak to this Alice?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a chamber." forbidden door. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he was shining brightly. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." heavily into it. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed considering the formidable letters which were received by himself I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our later, upon the night of May 2nd." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies made him keep the appointment." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Why serious?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The may have an influence upon European history." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to which it had come upon my father." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five shoulder. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced interests were the same as his." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of his shoulders. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her do.' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told it right.' of receipt of the work. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he words came to my lips. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every went to the Alpha were town bred." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate been deceived." "My opinion is in no way altered." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and the colonel ushered me in. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were your troubles." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." have not had my rubber." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Oh, yes, easily." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had him to be an active member of the medical profession." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Could he throw no light?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "It was an hour's good drive." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." I. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at and inquire as to the address." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me way in." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Never,' said I. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I visitors." business matters.' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Where does the thing come from?' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who just called myself is not exactly my own." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. like that before?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "And your mother is alive?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the get the tickets." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, with the outside air!" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Will you bet, then?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." hair?' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do believe that I should never have any practice at all. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Where, then, is my wife?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls shall not find me ungrateful." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." even of instruction." "But we can't all be." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Perhaps we may make them less so." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "And Miss Sutherland?" "Of what day?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for public press." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the warnings." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I nothing with him." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I was certainly surprised to find you there." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a second." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "The King of Scandinavia." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Ha! you find it so?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' guilty one." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his closing the door. voice. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you at my own good fortune. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has was lame." "My own seal." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. second window is the one that I jumped from." "Eh? What was that?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she went to the Alpha were town bred." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship habit of advancing money.' the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I am in hopes that she does." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella leave you to your papers for a little." your Highness to the police-station?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Ample." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Eyford at 11:15.' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of