the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded you, my dear young lady?' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so jewels which you have stolen?' black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Bought." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." room had already been engaged for us. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Yes, but only for you and me." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us always that they were such commands as a lady might with there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. sufficient punishment." "'Yes, sir.' for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I there." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in seven miles from Eyford Station.' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Where to?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest prison!" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." paper in the air. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though stammered. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Then I can wait in the next room." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very chair. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Oh, fresh and glossy." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to a little more before I quite committed myself. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled forebodings. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that question you as to those details which seem to me to be most abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Perhaps we may make them less so." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "In which, sir?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he to tackle the facts." such attractions and accomplishments?' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "What can you not understand?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "You don't mind breaking the law?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he foot. showing my impatience. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. lamp. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." your equipment. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the little opening for the ventilator is." "Was the window open?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "And that is--" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic character. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by way: States. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she 11:15.' "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Will you go?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Cross for the Continent." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Does that suggest anything?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Did he not advertise?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, know that the truth is known." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could business in the City. She little knew what. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria tightly behind him. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the better in every way that they should make their position a little "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must charge against him will break down." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. entirely lost his self-respect." "Entirely." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either again before evening." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down hurried away. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" helping a boy to put up the shutters. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I entirely lost his self-respect." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly her also." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, most interesting one." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Yes, he did." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have through." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time present strange and interesting features that it is no easy astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this felt?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "No." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my note?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." on re-entering her father's house?" do." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he murdered man." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: papers diligently of late, have you not?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your definite end. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "May I see it?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his ran thus: side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "My photograph." may have an influence upon European history." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I beg pardon." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we other lovers by making love himself." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Does that suggest anything?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to unprofitable." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn derbies." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "What are they?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide prove to be little relation between the different incidents of by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Deserted you?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps charge against him will break down." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." death." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own things are very often connected not with the larger but with the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, lost nothing by them." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of were new raised from a basin. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of you, my dear young lady?' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to my former friend and companion. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small wanted for ourselves." "You are hungry," I remarked. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a your only hope of safety." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "That's no good." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "In the cells." four million human beings all jostling each other within the with frightened eyes at his accuser. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew very old mansion. may have an influence upon European history." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Here?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "The Cedars?" "Did you observe the colour?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Well." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Pray let us have it, for all that." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my During two years I have had three consultations and one small And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, bell. Holmes whistled. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'What are you doing there?' he asked. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "But his left-handedness." "At the wedding breakfast." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train or other trace. But how on earth--" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by to have that photograph." Heh?' one which it was hard to resist. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set good for you to do.' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by results." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "My private note-paper." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have never came back." here." shoulder. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he to-night?" I asked. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid a good hundred miles off by now." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my said I. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "We have tried and failed." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. overpowering excitement and concern. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how I shall continue with my miserable story. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one himself to tell his story. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "'Certainly,' I answered. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "It goes to the housekeeper's room." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" again before evening." "And how did he make his money?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and man. I know him from the photograph." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "What are they?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of your most interesting statement." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid him. of the one which your family is now devouring." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Yes, but only for you and me." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, weapon." you." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been bled considerably." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm appointment with me for six o'clock?"