vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your questionable one." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another that you wished to speak to me?' remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "And your mother is alive?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "You have the photograph?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I never have." "You don't mind breaking the law?" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City already been minutely examined." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'Where could I find him?' office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and get the tickets." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "My opinion is in no way altered." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "You think so, too?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly of." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square chill to my heart. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "But how did you gain them?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford from you?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "No." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the tragedy. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to again." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You are hungry," I remarked. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the appeared upon the scene." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. open." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left tightly behind him. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "To the police?" hard-headed British jury." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held you in yours." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I cannot tell." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I should like to see him very much." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from round with crates and massive boxes. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "But how could you guess what the motive was?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and points to suicide?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong think, you have already met." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's village inn over there?" lips." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "The murder was done with it." woman." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Where to?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose that you can jump it.' with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Chief Executive and Director to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "But you would not advise me to refuse?" upon the sideboard." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "'You cannot say what it was?' British peeress.'" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Because he was handy and would come cheap." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried look upon these things in a different way." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Yes, it would be as well." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may salesman. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "And did you observe any change in her then?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy you." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Witness: It was. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been desk. "And on what day did he meet his death?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "What office?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across empty. "And you can do nothing until then?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" mystery!" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and DISSOLVED. "Why serious?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "But you can know nothing of this?" "Yes." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was sentimental considerations in the background which would induce following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the said he. leaning back in his chair. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Nearly eleven." I shall continue with my miserable story. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the lamp. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found four million human beings all jostling each other within the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you himself in a perplexing position. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There companion quietly. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, go back?" guilty parties." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Literary Archive Foundation was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the The King stared at him in amazement. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Sutherland?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "By no means." "No, I think that I'll take it." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off shoulder. "What then?" noble correspondent could be. "Do you go out much in society?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "I will do it." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Really! You surprise me." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "You think that he is dead?" "But how?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Pray be precise as to details," said he. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "When did she vanish, then?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "That is possible." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her anything to do with the matter?" to-morrow." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "What is it, then--a fire?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Does that suggest anything?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Yes." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a at a side door. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in had died away into the silence from which it rose. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "What then?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'I have already given you my word.' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "No, I had a dozen." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Pray let us have it, for all that." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Yes, he did." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'I am sure that I do not know.' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the very morning of the wedding." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working again." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "No, I had a dozen." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "It missed him, then?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I I was concerned in it." the roots. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet touch that coronet?' endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Did he not advertise?" there!' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Count Von Kramm." "But his left-handedness." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some feature." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "It is no ordinary one." that he will be back before evening." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still that before taking the final step I should like to submit the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "One?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the letters?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Pope's Court. "You were travelling in the States?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your with the outside air!" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "You heard nothing yourself last night?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign conclusions. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sit on the left-hand side of the driver." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. been deceived." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "How many? I don't know." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of the way of danger. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled as he folded up the epistle. compunction about shooting them down." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and several quiet little villages up there." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban key of the affair now." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Nothing?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Stolen." cup of tea. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a go from here to the Strand." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power crackling voice. of receipt of the work. later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Is he quiet?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. your equipment. Leadenhall Street--and--" "What!" he roared. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My at a side door. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "What office?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and asked. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my