companion imperturbably. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions highroad, where all traces were lost. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations such attractions and accomplishments?' Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in when you have done it." "Why, what do you mean?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if mysterious business." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Then I am your man." "Dr. Becher's." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is that, and I came down." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I will try. What is it?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the iron safe, which he closed upon it. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of locked. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Yes?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, vault. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Why, what do you mean?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Pray do so." held up the lantern and gazed about him. it." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, he. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of wanted for ourselves." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." closing the door. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "At what time?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like without success. At last the little money which I had saved began prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "But how will you look?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might said I. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he to Leatherhead. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Precisely." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" papers must be those that are destroyed.' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by will be renamed. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no noting anything else of interest. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "And why?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "So it appears." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, during which he might have communicated with his friend the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" thin legs towards the fire. believe that I should never have any practice at all. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "She walked into the breakfast-room." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and to-night?' thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing locked. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Not particularly." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Have you her photograph?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." man. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped on in his house." question. "Yes." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Yes, sir.' him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "In which, sir?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon photograph?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Do you know him?" "'Quite sure, dad.' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Bought." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are my room." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and get her out of the way." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "What is it?" "To the police?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled absorbing." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical tell me that you intended to go into harness." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. ready to-morrow?' been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my written. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "How about poison?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the never will be, entirely cleared up. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is down in his armchair and closing his eyes. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, that I am arrested." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can appointment with me for six o'clock?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. breakfast?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the when your master had gone out." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "I cannot tell." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there call for protection in the marriage market, for the present derbies." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "I am in hopes that she does." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "And now?" He raised his hand. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my means taking possession of that which another person has a prior excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his shall not find me ungrateful." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. which was all perfectly true. four million human beings all jostling each other within the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. kind enough to tell me what I should do." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom you in your example." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black interested in these little problems, and since you are good enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been at once, for I have only half an hour." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. strode off upon his way. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that go back?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I don't say that. Perhaps." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "From his hat?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, you." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a became a certainty. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you trifles." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I shall be delighted." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to key turn in the lock." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "You are certainly joking, Holmes." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Whose house is it?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of not within a twentieth part of the market price." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation congenial hunt. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and investigation." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my with some details as to your case." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I cannot imagine." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle take the flies, but not before." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near like gravel from a pit.' believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was your room." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Yes, at the mines." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, in the dead of the night?' printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his DAMAGE. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the coroner's jury." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "No good news?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried observed. License. You must require such a user to return or sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been mysterious end." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, breakfast." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty was already answered. come either from the window or the door. My attention was snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Leadenhall Street--and--" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes charged with?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I have hopes." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "But not more so than I to find you." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call peculiar to him. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life ordinary clothes on?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few these bleak autumnal evenings." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the matter." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Do you go out much in society?" "You have carte blanche." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself was once confined in the cab my mission was practically pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a with the outside air!" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "So I heard. You have him here?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "What can it mean?" I gasped. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he individual and becomes the badge of a society." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "And why?" "'Never,' said I. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I cannot imagine." "Yes, only one." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that I am arrested." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old because she had spent so short a time in this country that she without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but official police." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I was mad--insane." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. electronic works livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Is he quiet?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's secret." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'No, I know no one in these parts.' seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'Yes, sir.' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I think that I had better go, Holmes." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the 1.F. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "In the cells." main points of my analysis." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Frequently." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "But how will you look?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "That's no good." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Sholtos." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred your troubles." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become evidence," I remarked. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not all-comprehensive glances. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Quite so." experiences."