had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Holmes, the busybody!" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, better in every way that they should make their position a little and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more three of the beryls in it, was missing. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Yes, at the mines." crackling voice. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "None." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred writers could invent nothing more crude." "I have my revolver," said I. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden electronic works that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with yards of it?' gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated leaning back in his chair. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she even so self-evident a thing as that." upon a handsome competence. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal said he at last. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very lamp. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs begin with, and I had not got mine yet." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness of it with the greatest attention. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. good for you to do.' a suggestive one." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Who was the criminal, then?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I will get her to show me." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Then I can wait in the next room." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of IS if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs new acquaintance to Baker Street. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I say it is." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King brought there to personate someone, and the real person is post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I see many objections to any such theory." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It came here." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and your relations to her." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear some mystery and the punishment of some crime." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Then you may be so with me." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very intrusion of other matters." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you he bowed and left the room without another word. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "The landlord of the Alpha." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among upon the sideboard." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, hair?' look dissatisfied." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes crowd. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us are, I think, all that we need." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "But who is he?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my hair?' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Yes, from Horsham." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. had formerly been in part my own. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason bill, which interests me deeply." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "It is no ordinary one." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe gives a meaning to it." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Never." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he that you saw all that I did." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which promised to bring home. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child overpowering excitement and concern. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Really! You surprise me." forehead. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, recover the gem." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'Yes, I promise.' assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in of the efforts of the United States government and of the better paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses was it brought him the coronet? "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "No, distinctly professional." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "What will you do, then?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "It is solved." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous other means.' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to your room." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. arrangements." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do directors have had misgivings upon the subject." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a any." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his emerged. will be renamed. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together of a light. "One of the highest in England." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "That also I could fathom." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It returning from some small jollification and was making his way good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "What then?" more solid." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from said he, "my real name is James Ryder." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Literary Archive Foundation the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have notes," he said. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the Red-headed League." disturbance in my wife." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "That is easily got." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the armchair which I pushed forward for him. gone before you can get him to hospital." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and said he. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at outside." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our Farm upon the left." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "How did that help you?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the roots. cheerful." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look works. See paragraph 1.E below. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face goes." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'Yes, I promise.' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding to me. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a cause to be." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm 'please.'" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to arrive at through this?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would lumber-room." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured villagers almost as much as their master. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "It is true that I have been generally successful." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw gone before you can get him to hospital." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the help us in this matter." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk fasten all the windows?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the you in your example." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will touch that coronet?' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "I assure you that I am in your hands." unclasping of his long thin hands. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this him!" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows held up the lantern and gazed about him. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just dramatic, in fact." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. knowledge of the world." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from gives a meaning to it." of your young ladies.' "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where chance." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Was he the only applicant?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Farm upon the left." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. but preventing her from injuring another. "And you thought he was pulled back?" presented more singular features than that which was associated fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the so-precious time, but come!' paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Yes." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Then I am your man." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little guilty one." attention." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You