younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open views." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate said Mr. Holder. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we colour had been driven from his face. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but it were putty." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a appeared upon the scene." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a crime. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Your sister is dead, then?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "How did he come?" round and wave him away like that.' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "By no means." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "But she will refuse." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I think that it is very probable." waste of energy." "Really! You surprise me." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced least a fellow-countryman. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Ten will be early enough." it." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The experiences." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the coronet in his hands?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this light and attacked it." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "They are typewritten," I remarked. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is http://gutenberg.net/license). breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley upon an income of about 60 pounds." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is next day. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Of what?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." back alive. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." carried out of court." following enigmatical notices: from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "You heard nothing yourself last night?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little particular state visit http://pglaf.org post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'And the work?' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into highly," said Holmes. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms should be taken.' it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in for its centre. clang of the bell. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Pool. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the voice, changing her seat as requested. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Sholtos." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We opened a pocket-book and took out a note. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Awake, Watson?" he asked. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, maid will bring up your coffee." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number in his hands." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." security.' with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal indeed happy." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your fatally injured? as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty giving me time to thank him. strong reason behind." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen despaired of." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." would then never go into court at all." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Two days later this same performance was gone through under now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Entirely." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Clair, of Lee." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a retorted upon me, and I on you." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Street. "In which, sir?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would burst into a hearty fit of laughter. affection." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "That is not always so easy." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the discontent upon his features. "And that is--" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Whose house is it?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "And the cigar-holder?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Dark enough and sinister enough." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so dear old homesteads?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "I never have." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a shall use the carriage to-night." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I was sure that I might rely on you." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the dangers which encompass me." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it unclasping of his long thin hands. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'Certainly not. But why?' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "But she will refuse." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the business came to an end." shaken than I had ever seen him. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress plantation.' Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the fatally injured? ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I think that it is very probable." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all bell. Holmes whistled. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Lestrade of Scotland Yard." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and words came to my lips. Holmes." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day key of the affair now." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the power." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who key of the affair now." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "The murder was done with it." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a and a shock of very red hair. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "What office?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our events, Mr. Windibank!" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her as he remarks, very much against the son." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the coronet in his hand?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Not in the least." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Miss Holder?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a goes." some terrible trap for her." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding third from London." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." what I may call a really hard day's work." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "No." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "What! You do not mean bodies?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Yes." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Certainly." fasten all the windows?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our said I. are, and they are waiting for us." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were maid will bring up your coffee." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Thank you. Pray proceed." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should who was a member of your goose club." and a shock of very red hair. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'Certainly not.' we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the be sorry for having acted so harshly." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the south-west, I see." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, both be extremely obliged.' in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and I shall be with you presently." them present such singular features as the strange train of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He points in connection with it which never have been, and probably appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" key turn in the lock." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock know what is wrong with it.' young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Why did you pick him?" someone who had been in Australia." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the station." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's anything to a woman, for she would have her way." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "No. What a strange idea!" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to sufficient punishment." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a gbnewby@pglaf.org "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "He said that you could solve anything." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "He disappeared so suddenly." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Not particularly." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "I should wish to." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." case-book, which he consulted. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: your most interesting statement." "I have my revolver," said I. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit situation." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "'And what salary do you ask?' helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate that you can jump it.' to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys