Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent crime." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you happened." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white see me here to avoid scandal." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the you." his wife has ceased to love him." "But you were on a friendly footing?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Eh? What was that?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, to take care of herself." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love any little problem which you may submit to me." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it people in all walks of life. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly whatever might befall. highroad, where all traces were lost. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, bonnet, and went out." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong prison!" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I am to be neutral?" "So I am. Very much so." gives a meaning to it." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "A greater distance to travel." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Yes, it was twisted." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "But his lameness?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." I. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, do.' a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of easy-going way." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "What then?" straighten it?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to talk it over. answer." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your in my life." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, side. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "A greater distance to travel." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and inquire as to the address." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' 'please.'" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Nothing?" "'Certainly not.' that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Nothing." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists even so self-evident a thing as that." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the The King stared at him in amazement. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. salesman. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use of Fenchurch Street." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "What of the rat, then?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, brandy and water within his reach. situation." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "She showed me, as I told you she would." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Sutherland?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Indeed! Whose, then?" sofa. This way, please!" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Pope's Court, Fleet Street." desk. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it shaken than I had ever seen him. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Have you good authority for what you say?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." one's self under obligations.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we who was a member of your goose club." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your arrested. You then--" http://gutenberg.net/license). Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Stoke Moran?" said he. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at security.' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable me. You must get home instantly and act." stepfather?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that clanging. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the bottom.' For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and away to you." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the very letters. But what is this written above them?' it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, think, you have already met." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in husband's writing, madam." together. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most were new raised from a basin. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. could gather together that I was able to avert another public anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a which our visitor detailed to us. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Thank you. Pray proceed." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "And on what day did he meet his death?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Bought." with her." Holmes' room. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having The police have openly confessed that they can at present make XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "So I am. Very much so." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "No." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful it means?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found amused." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor his fortune, and I went back to pa. Edgeware Road. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. written. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were what do you think they found in the pockets?" lost his Christmas dinner." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better remarked. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there said he. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. stammered. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Only as much as we can deduce." "What then?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Do you go out much in society?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Ah, but I was recommended to you." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their than was visible to me." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "In which, sir?" McCarthy." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of leaning back in his chair. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how go from here to the Strand." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it learned something! Where are the gems?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Very truly yours, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "How can you tell that?" nights." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people forbidden door. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs For additional contact information: hurried by. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "So it appears." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Texas, I think." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Yes." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "But how?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'And the work?' yourselves in at night?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at remarked. are, I think, all that we need." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and from you?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with crowd. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital and put his glass in his pocket. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" clanging. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most bell. Holmes whistled. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am little trying to do so much typewriting?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "They are typewritten," I remarked. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, despaired of." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "None." "Nothing?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and capable of preserving a secret.' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. locked." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "No, but the enclosure is." way in everything. or in danger--" in the port of London." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this likely to be some crony of the landlady's." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from you." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might showing my impatience. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "From his hat?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "I guessed as much." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Whose house is it?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by interest. They are important, you understand, without being the matter." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "What! a murderous attack?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated which should have the effect of calling the attention of the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. within hail.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as colour had been driven from his face. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding of." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "No."