"No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "I would give my fortune to have them back." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these information in his hands the value of which he did not himself despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' writer." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "I never have." "But how did you gain them?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes, only one." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal desk. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. to-morrow." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in it were putty." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more acquaintance?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the driver. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, empty. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "What then?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of criminal. We have already had experience of such." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the coronet in his hand?" populous neighbourhood." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me tail." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never out." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Precisely." tension within him. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my fattened it expressly for you.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Perfectly so." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to wanted for ourselves." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly followed. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining foresight and the moral retrogression?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "What, then, did Peterson do?" speckled band?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this them, and came down just as you departed. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the his grey eyes. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "None." few hundred pounds.' humiliation." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the wedding?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man the loss of it. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." became a certainty. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a unkempt, staring out at me. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," locked. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her whatever might befall. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Yes, he did." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the iron safe, which he closed upon it. 1.F. throat." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'Very good.' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the best of training." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing present strange and interesting features that it is no easy pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. enough to aid us in our search." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Her father is very rich?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of too. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "How did you deduce the select?" stepfather?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "To an English lawyer named Norton." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "What, then, did Peterson do?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the wanted for ourselves." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I deduce something from that?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to case-book, which he consulted. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to have been novel and of interest." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "How can you tell that?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, was keenly on my guard against him. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly amused." "Then the page we have seen--" during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. disappearance of the bride.'" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "No, I am descending." society." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away was feeling which was the fattest.' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. question," said Holmes, smiling. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Ample." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and again, where I was soon asleep. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless she to prove their authenticity?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and address. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for to have been novel and of interest." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, over with notes and figures. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Is purely nominal.' "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill directly by questioning you." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that of your young ladies.' "Nearly eleven." "To the police?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room at home. that I can to serve you." me have 200 pounds?' "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or been deceived." "None. Neville wrote those words." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you details." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to official police." prisoner's face. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his of this gang." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the side-table." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are fishes. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" questionable one." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own imbecility!" he cried. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better that I may have something better before very many minutes are child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at had this final quarrel? winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Won't it ring?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know footfalls from the street. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the loss of it. giving me time to thank him. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of and files of the old papers, following the future career of every coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had public press." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my be best to do. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'I have heard so.' sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow over with notes and figures. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that tapping his fingers upon the table. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "I am to be neutral?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and once more for Briony Lodge. "Very. But will he see it?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those of it with the greatest attention. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is it? Did I buy the geese off you?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, to a light-house. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "What will you say?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I highly," said Holmes. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a stammered. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it interest. They are important, you understand, without being out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in some terrible trap for her." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune whether it answered to the description of any of their as he folded up the epistle. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true geese which you supplied to the Alpha." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the tragedy. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' which we had just quitted. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your round and wave him away like that.' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far some water from a caraffe. is so. I know all about McCarthy." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to least a fellow-countryman. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "You have the photograph?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. me. You must get home instantly and act." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a crackling voice. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Where does the thing come from?' "I know where it is." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "What! a murderous attack?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "And I." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the redistribution. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Was there a secret marriage?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Of Friday, June 19th." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Then how many are there?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" in a friendly supper." 'please.'" "Then how many are there?" of Mr. Rucastle's." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as man. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon four million human beings all jostling each other within the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided call for protection in the marriage market, for the present sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Nothing." security.'