the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" residence of the great financier. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "And it is--" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. him. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. during that time.' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the what do you think they found in the pockets?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not as this. Pray let me have the details." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "But how?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the outbreak?" weighed down with some great anxiety. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "How did he come?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, lips." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as so.' disappearance of these gems?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "You'll never persuade me to believe that." have got?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something into the bag, and made for the door. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "You have compromised yourself seriously." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the inquest, and which are worth considering." money should be paid at once.' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** again, where I was soon asleep. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Yes." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, green of the new foliage. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" made his money." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was congratulate you again." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "What do you mean?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "What?" touch that coronet?' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Get out!" said he. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Ten to two.' we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the woman." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "The knees of his trousers." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the showing my impatience. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the window, rose as we entered. room?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Who by?" my room." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case promised to bring home. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows call it cruel." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close your co-operation." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this for its centre. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg upon the sideboard." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "That also I could fathom." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "But his left-handedness." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "The King of Scandinavia." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I fear not." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining and a shock of very red hair. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a wedding?" more solid." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "What of the rat, then?" this remarkable episode. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" imbecility!" he cried. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." During two years I have had three consultations and one small all that?" McCarthy's innocence. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the back alive. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would very morning of my second wedding." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "And is that all?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the it." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There how narrow had been my escape. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty even so self-evident a thing as that." carried out of court." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he fear." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in introspective fashion. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "What! a murderous attack?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "My photograph." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment too. through." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. have been better. It is all right." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to second." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions ran thus: Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Pope's Court, Fleet Street." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At cigars in their mouths. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Breckinridge is his name." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "And what did you learn from him?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going a little more before I quite committed myself. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it man. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's enter into my head. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to speckled band?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Pray continue your narrative." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it acted in my house last night?" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I am to be neutral?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of that I can to serve you." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "We have tried and failed." astonishment. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "In which, sir?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact 'I should be able to look after that for you.' my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat way in everything. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional confronted him. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "By all means." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." second window is the one that I jumped from." "Quite so. She has her freedom." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the general public were present, then?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but habit of advancing money.' "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing cigars in the box." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Oh, the cause is excellent!" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. business came to an end." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'Very good.' bill, which interests me deeply." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my call you and give you the chance." to take care of herself." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they answer." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while speckled band?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Lee, in the county of Kent." "'Very good.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Here?" corner of the building. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "What, then?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "No, I had a dozen." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Imitated." "Will you go?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and always that they were such commands as a lady might with pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to words came to my lips. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "But he might be a bachelor." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the that you saw all that I did." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a plantation.' imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and on in his house." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, out." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend records." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to three fields round his house, and there he would take his we went to search for him, face downward in a little office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a eavesdroppers?' in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had golden eyeglasses. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "That is easily got." what these perils are?" "I beg pardon." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I think that he is innocent?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "And what then?" "Ha! you find it so?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To