she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such could go. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up have accepted such a situation. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and into the bag, and made for the door. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away key turn in the lock." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, mystery!" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Precisely." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with sooner or later she must fall a victim. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to his chemical studies. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "You did not overhear what they said?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the tragedy. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "He is still with you, I presume?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I never have." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So searched, without anything being found which could incriminate while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked investigation." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them have got?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "You have the photograph?" "'Ten to two.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw villagers almost as much as their master. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons off." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "And now?" I asked. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. galvanised. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A envelope. "And that is--" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the station." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So chill to my heart. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Nearly eleven." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg were new raised from a basin. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." may never be exposed to such a temptation." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just bedroom door." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' grasp, he hurried from the room. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong purpose of examination. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when important." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "What! Had he lost his wife?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." meanly of me." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, outside." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to talk it over. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining coat-tails." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him absolutely follow my advice in every respect." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction kind enough to tell me what I should do." later, upon the night of May 2nd." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "My dear Holmes!" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, himself to tell his story. "And you thought he was pulled back?" was a loud and authoritative tap. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the used to be." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." over with notes and figures. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." he. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Yes, sir." for the market.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so experiences." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Witness: I must still refuse. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Farm upon the left." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Eyford at 11:15.' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "But how?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square business came to an end." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not to Leatherhead. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to noble correspondent could be. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "My Mary? Impossible!" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "None." "You know me, then?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, appeared upon the scene." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two carried out of court." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were one of the states of the Union." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest occupations.' advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the best of training." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was into her hand at the door and which lured her within their business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our I shall communicate with you." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "At the wedding breakfast." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a when your master had gone out." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" as this. Pray let me have the details." province." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical invisible to me," I remarked. "So it appears." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "She told me to ask you." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in presented more singular features than that which was associated "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. sufficient punishment." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "I have a cab outside." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest you want, then?' was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church that I can to serve you." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, you, my dear young lady?' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Certainly." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian It was close upon four before the door opened, and a lips." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life some terrible trap for her." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Yes, but only for you and me." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only any more." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "A confidential servant?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "I will not look." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his right! Sit down and let us talk it over." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by cigar and let me expound." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and wait." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Pope's Court. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now whatever might befall. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite trying to your nerves." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. gone. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "This photograph!" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "But you would not advise me to refuse?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under drawing your inferences." "In answer to an advertisement." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Bought." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the little opening for the ventilator is." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a during that time.' upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," maid will bring up your coffee." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "And did you observe any change in her then?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "My dear Holmes!" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. have an American origin." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And what then?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was opportunities to fix the problem. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always himself. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while burst into a hearty fit of laughter. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you undoubtedly my uncle's." "I cannot tell." never will be, entirely cleared up. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and I shall continue with my miserable story. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the who was a member of your goose club." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with records." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same answer." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for I have it here in my museum." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and your relations to her." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Holmes' thin, eager face. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "What then?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Not I." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "And why in hopes?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled charged with?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' highly," said Holmes. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "That also I could fathom." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I was certainly surprised to find you there." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I