of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." father's place of business?" ago." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Edgeware Road. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William have I gained?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy tell them apart.' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I should like to see him very much." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul persecution?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned your own bird, so if you wish--" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "She told me to ask you." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this call you and give you the chance." was a loud and authoritative tap. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, true." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding both be extremely obliged.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation window when the police appeared." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project congenial hunt. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "And is that all?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father said he. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the one as in the other." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which interested in these little problems, and since you are good At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." cheerful." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Well, but China?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'Certainly,' I answered. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "You'll never persuade me to believe that." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was always that they were such commands as a lady might with "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Why did you pick him?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You him to go away.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent singular points about the case. What did the police think of the we went to search for him, face downward in a little "No good news?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered again on its way. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my posted to-day." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, paper in the air. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'Where could I find him?' passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of think that he is innocent?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect waste of energy." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, that he has suffered." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Here?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Farm upon the left." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight For additional contact information: cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Proceed, then." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'Why that?' I asks. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, locked." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and like gravel from a pit.' do." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Sholtos." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the helping a boy to put up the shutters. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "How did you trace it, then?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your companion quietly. you give your casting vote to?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "My photograph." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers she has been waylaid. There has been no result." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Who by?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Not I." particular state visit http://pglaf.org passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in soul! here is her carriage at the door." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." there was no need for father to know." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Absolutely?" bled considerably." "No good news?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the and your relations to her." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right must be when I saw the door open.' company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Certainly." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the lumber-room." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Ah, but I was recommended to you." For additional contact information: it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Yes." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, important." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. voice. "And why in hopes?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and written. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Precisely." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "What will you say?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You know me, then?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "I was afraid that you were engaged." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "You have carte blanche." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "She showed me, as I told you she would." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "And I to find an enemy." been shamefully used." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. already been minutely examined." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at than to us. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside appeared upon the scene." noting anything else of interest. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a will not take me long to tell. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Not yet." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the running down." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'No, I know no one in these parts.' power." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in people in all walks of life. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of call you and give you the chance." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Holmes, the busybody!" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "'And the work?' his grey eyes. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a not within a twentieth part of the market price." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the me upon any point which I do not make clear." better grown goose." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Eyford." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate posted to-day." "Yes, sir." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but be. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "'About the same.' my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat guilty parties." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of dear old homesteads?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend humiliation." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of as the one I chose?' writers could invent nothing more crude." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in retorted upon me, and I on you." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which that you can jump it.' "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I several quiet little villages up there." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case in a very precise fashion." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "No more words. Get out!" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked address. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'There is a drive, then?' find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Quite so. She has her freedom." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in out of this horrible affair." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business a monotonous occupation." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Yes." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Pool. go back?" words came to my lips. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But how did you gain them?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, have had none more fantastic than this." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, conclusions. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a