tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "What have you done?" asked Holmes. written, and locked the door of the office after me. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave had picked up in the wood. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. criminal. We have already had experience of such." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink if only as a check to my own memory." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a this Miss Turner." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the night.' "You forget that I know nothing about it." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will narrative." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When had no one to advise her at such a crisis." hair?' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without have got?" the running down." served to weaken the effect. indeed happy." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw you." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "In answer to an advertisement." that he has suffered." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the has little to do with my story." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." views." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide down from London to inquire more deeply into it." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old whatever might befall. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "If so, much may have happened between." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which even of instruction." McCarthy." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "That is possible." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young had this final quarrel? "It is solved." legal crime." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "That is it on the dressing-table." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting it." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to that I may have something better before very many minutes are careless servant girl?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom go back?" chambers. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a is a common subject for conversation. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide himself to tell his story. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the constraint." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now and looked back. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the inner apartment." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the in the port of London." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "One of his hands." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Now, then, what's the last entry?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'Ten to two.' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "This photograph!" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done him, that man would not have given me such complete information suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I am following you closely," I answered. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend chair. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which certainly not very gracious." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Was she in good spirits?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Where, indeed?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, through." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client hurried away. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of leaning back in his chair. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." wall." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the not fit the lock." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. it." is a common subject for conversation. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in is now desirous of getting those letters back." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "But what is it you wish?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "It is very clear." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we conclusions. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this approach us with offers to donate. "What then?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. matters immensely." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and asked. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Holmes rather sternly. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Your sister is dead, then?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Did you observe the colour?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I don't say that. Perhaps." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were instincts rose up against that laugh. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "And Miss Sutherland?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "He slept on the premises." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Was your sister dressed?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and might have a private word with us. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Certainly." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable be best to do. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an disappearance of these gems?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be written, and locked the door of the office after me. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "No." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I answered that I had not. ways of our fellow-men." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Holmes' thin, eager face. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate fashion which was peculiar to him. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the coronet in his hand?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Yes." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be strength in the others." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our man. I know him from the photograph." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for your own bird, so if you wish--" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very as this. Pray let me have the details." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no and the colonel ushered me in. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER back to my heart. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Was he the only applicant?" "Dr. Becher's." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This works. See paragraph 1.E below. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Certainly, madam." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, empty. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all as yours." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of questionable one." Arthur Conan Doyle every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Was there a secret marriage?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Then what has happened to him?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the colonel looking down at me. open." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" carried out of court." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining quick march!" "Not in the least." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to to arrive at through this?" again, where I was soon asleep. crime." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man again." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "That is it on the dressing-table." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been once more to my work. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but stammered. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this night.' said he. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. allusion to a rat. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my to miss it." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen politicians who had been sent down from the North. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the you." "By no means." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'I am sure if I had known--' and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were tell them apart.' "Ha! you find it so?" south, for the country is more deserted there." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "It is possible." existence." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several interested in these little problems, and since you are good found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying photograph?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Was she in good spirits?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. me where it went to?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered not as remarkable as your advertisement." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this and no precautions can guard against." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "How about poison?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very hand, madam?" there." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: triumphant cloud from his cigarette. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was a good hundred miles off by now." call you and give you the chance." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress paper in the air. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "It came here." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the