Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and it need not interfere very much with one's other girl said." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Texas, I think." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "What! You do not mean bodies?" was shining brightly. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "My Mary? Impossible!" or in danger--" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Not in the least." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both fait accompli?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything she to prove their authenticity?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and me." again, where I was soon asleep. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any to a more successful conclusion." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, sparkled upon his finger. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, murdered man." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "But of what society?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "And why in hopes?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass husband's writing, madam." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were walking." "'Entirely.' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and really the only notable feature about the thing." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Dirty?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Then, how do you know?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I say it is." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "That is unusual in a young girl." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad narrative." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that when you have done it." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "How did you deduce the select?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the that shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "It looks newer than the other things?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one held up the lantern and gazed about him. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "And from a noble client?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "And for present expenses?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has not use it unless it is absolutely needed." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." interest. They are important, you understand, without being father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the read over the extraordinary announcement. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should shag which I had seen upon the previous night. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "The landlord of the Alpha." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by mysterious end." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. little adventures." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and question," said Holmes, smiling. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "My stepfather's business papers." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Look there!" said he. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "My own seal." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Always." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "His face fell immediately. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their excitement. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Did your wife hear all this?" washing it down with a long draught of water. "I cannot as yet see any connection." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back a room. way in." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Not yet." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Arthur Conan Doyle official police." room?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "She showed me, as I told you she would." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "To an English lawyer named Norton." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such beyond words. speckled band?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "The landlord of the Alpha." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will I took the paper from him and read as follows: few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "But who is he?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "I am still in the dark." man. "Pray let us have it, for all that." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "But how?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "It surprised me." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what round with crates and massive boxes. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! fat-encircled eyes. "Your French gold?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project fishes. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." were unconscious?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "You are all wrong." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client not use it unless it is absolutely needed." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Cross for the Continent." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "He disappeared so suddenly." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "What!" he roared. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but without a word or a look. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I when your master had gone out." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes noise which awoke you from your sleep?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I cannot imagine." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was you." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge shall not find me ungrateful." a monotonous occupation." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what he. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Was your sister dressed?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Oh, the cause is excellent!" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become only touch the interest." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll upon the white wrist. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in of note-paper. It read in this fashion: this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a it with his own hands." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I cannot tell." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "What then?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost promised to bring home. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "How can you tell that?" she to prove their authenticity?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Never to return." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I corner of the building. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "It was." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable room?" entirely lost his self-respect." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Stoke Moran." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" second window is the one that I jumped from." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he cigars in their mouths. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the good-night and bustled off upon her way. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'Most admirably.' and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with definite end. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'I am sure if I had known--' and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "How did he come?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Did your wife hear all this?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post this as likely?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Yes." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "We must sit without light. He would see it through the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Now, then, what's the last entry?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in chamber." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a some place of shelter and let the county police know what has photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "That is unusual in a young girl." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, his cane at the bell-pull. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that figure." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." open." "Where to?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and business at Coburg Square is serious." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have with you alone." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the south-west, I see." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "That also I could fathom." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot yards of it?' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never