days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, main points of my analysis." "Absolutely?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the one as in the other." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out hair?' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. and the whole place is in a blaze." feature." "Whose house is it?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps peculiar to him. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Miss Holder?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of his shoulders. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Then you may entirely rely on me." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Yes." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its silent! Oh, he will be silent!' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most someone who had been in Australia." "Come in!" said he. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more frequently gained my first real insight into the character of instincts rose up against that laugh. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to feature." "'How far from the body?' "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "How about poison?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a carriage. It was a chestnut." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "One of the highest in England." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Why serious?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Pray do so." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Quite so." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which tail." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Upon what point?" you." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are and a shock of very red hair. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, row." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Yes." presume?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another neither fascinating nor artistic." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her again on its way. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my without a word or a look. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. clanging. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Why, what do you mean?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "No good news?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the bed, and you in that chair." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the telegram would bring me down to your help." seen the man in the road." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "What steps will you take?" I asked. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even recover the gem." "You think that he is dead?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two shall not find me ungrateful." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Yes, only one." there in twenty minutes." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Not yet." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds said I. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "You know me, then?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Yes." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. society." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I am to be neutral?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, been able to understand it, in a very few words. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I shall be delighted." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you residence of the great financier. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great his knees, staring into the fire. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "And now?" He raised his hand. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "No sign of it?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "And why?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of observed. that threaten you." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I have a cab outside." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "That you are never beaten." "I shall most certainly do so." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "And Miss Sutherland?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she absolutely follow my advice in every respect." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Nothing?" or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Have you good authority for what you say?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Frequently." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. showing my impatience. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang tail." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "You have a clue?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "What can it mean?" I gasped. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left held up the lantern and gazed about him. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of wedding?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" bonnet, and went out." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the to Leatherhead. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Where to?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Did you become engaged then?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "My opinion is in no way altered." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently lost his Christmas dinner." "You are hungry," I remarked. in my life." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is fashion which was peculiar to him. "Well." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in was keenly on my guard against him. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come did not hear it also.' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger such person." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I shall most certainly do so." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." directly by questioning you." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "No. What a strange idea!" pictures, libraries, or plate. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY spark where all is dark to me." annoyance, but no jest. the matter." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was even of instruction." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled fait accompli?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty cup of tea. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the of this gang." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Where is it, then?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. to some other building. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Certainly." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Who by?" in him." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "And sit in the dark?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm knowledge of the world." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither if I call to-morrow?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very better grown goose." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' companion quietly. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Where, then, is my wife?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand one or two very singular points about this room. For example, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, your co-operation." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Heh?' more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Did he not advertise?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is intrusion of other matters." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my papers diligently of late, have you not?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could cup of tea. "I came to find a friend." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "But his lameness?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "And who is her maid?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my fear." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over where Mr. Fordham shows you.' right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "My private note-paper." to tell." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the King without delay." "Was he the only applicant?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Not particularly." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'You doubt its value?' he asked. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Was your sister dressed?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He