"When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "'Certainly,' I answered. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Most admirably.' wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, stood on the top of it. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I beg pardon." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Proceed, then." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the strength." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated in. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence within hail.' "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "And how have you succeeded?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George one else, I think." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any within hail.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and rooms." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did clang of the bell. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the Red-headed League." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the to-night's adventure." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, certainly do as you advise." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He suspect him." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I pierced for earrings?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I will, Miss Turner." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Street. "What is it?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, and all of them with the keenest interest. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the general public were present, then?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "You don't mind breaking the law?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." despair." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his already been minutely examined." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. there." bedroom door." "I have hopes." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "You have a clue?" "Not in a good cause." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in of them has the shutters up.' recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my cigar and let me expound." said he. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill The police have openly confessed that they can at present make endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Look there!" said he. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the salesman. "What then?" instituted." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Very truly yours, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "But you can know nothing of this?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary south, for the country is more deserted there." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I fear not." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the salesman. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Yes." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Leadenhall Street--and--" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" in him." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "The best possible." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, could go. be.' to take care of herself." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I bell. Holmes whistled. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "My stepfather's business papers." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "I see no marks." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love other means.' them?" "But of what society?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got standing smiling on the door-step. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Edgeware Road. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "My dear Holmes!" said he. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Not yet." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the three fields round his house, and there he would take his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." existence." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." her also." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Foundation propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with that he has suffered." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite how narrow had been my escape. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, hand, madam?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. my little problems." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Well?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Where did you address your letters, then?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming most interesting one." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "How are you getting on?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I the running down." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I cannot tell." "Was he the only applicant?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself fasten all the windows?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage bore every mark of being an average commonplace British hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the King without delay." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where read it out to me." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? garden below. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and what these perils are?" cost them two and thirty pounds." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the my secret was safe in his possession. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Yes, it was twisted." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "There is the writing." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. him!" prison!" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were later, upon the night of May 2nd." "How are you getting on?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush here." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "I am sure." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we narrative." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the IS serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "My private note-paper." "'Yes, it was gone.' presume?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'Yes, I promise.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside was feeling which was the fattest.' With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. later, upon the night of May 2nd." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two do.' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should 1.F. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" and all of them with the keenest interest. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we minor matters until to-morrow." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the was used.' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Quite sure, dad.' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Then the page we have seen--" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his late." I shall continue with my miserable story. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a when you have done it." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I cannot tell." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to morning." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "What will you say?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and looked back. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit placed his cuttings. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Game for a morning drive?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Of what?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being guilty one." and put his glass in his pocket. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your business at Coburg Square is serious." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in tension within him. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, papers diligently of late, have you not?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Of Friday, June 19th." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, will take you up to see the machine.' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of chill to my heart. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been row." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony is now desirous of getting those letters back." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I was mad--insane." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to mystery." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one did not hear it also.' concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, floor. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "'Very good.'