outside." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of you found me to-night--and running through the front room she delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "That's no good." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a any little problem which you may submit to me." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers not as remarkable as your advertisement." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. public press." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he any little problem which you may submit to me." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "I am still in the dark." me what he had done with the three missing stones. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "And now?" I asked. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the is acting for the best. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and laid it on the table. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "My private note-paper." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "I am all attention, madam." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Holmes' room. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "What then?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to of fine shops and stately business premises that they really my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the to affect your life." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more meant." "Not in a good cause." brain must have something in it." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I took the paper from him and read as follows: lumber-room." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were matters immensely." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "And is that all?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." this as likely?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. hurried away. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this have accepted such a situation. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, was a lad." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious whatever might befall. tapping his fingers upon the table. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." death." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "It is solved." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card undoubtedly my uncle's." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was heavy and sharp instrument." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I future lives." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "But how?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a mysterious business." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very to-night?' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Then the page we have seen--" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather had picked up in the wood. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I am following you closely," I answered. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend me upon any point which I do not make clear." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Here?" fact, we may call it conclusive." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To house for five minutes.' were wasted." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if digesting their breakfasts at home." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Not in the least." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You horrify me." annoyance, but no jest. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful open." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or good-night and bustled off upon her way. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a is a common subject for conversation. "'You cannot say what it was?' smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "How do you know, then?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their wedding?" to miss it." "I think that it is very probable." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Did you become engaged then?" "It was." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try mystery!" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I beg pardon." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Eyford at 11:15.' "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Heh?' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must business at Coburg Square is serious." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of constraint." lost his Christmas dinner." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Your French gold?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came bird of prey. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I assure you that I am in your hands." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I other lovers by making love himself." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my an introduction to him?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "The knees of his trousers." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Stoke Moran?" said he. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in together. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the ceiling. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to you." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "When did she vanish, then?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching have accepted such a situation. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to been deceived." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office said I. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Eyford." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Then I shall certainly come." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand knowledge of the world." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly out." get her out of the way." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always as he remarks, very much against the son." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard call for protection in the marriage market, for the present always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds trifles." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. help us in this matter." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "He is dead," cried several voices. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, even so self-evident a thing as that." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "But what is it you wish?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do I approached. "Oh, fresh and glossy." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of in his power. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My examine." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled will find little credit to be gained out of this case." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the King without delay." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further in the hope of finding them." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I have hopes." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "None." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Game for a morning drive?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "But how did you gain them?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, father's young wife. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "But his lameness?" to some other building. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I see no marks." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church garden below. only touch the interest." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his you, my dear young lady?' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge other, as fresh and trim as possible. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I cannot think." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe strong and stiff." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "And how have you succeeded?" "In heaven's name, what for?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. not as remarkable as your advertisement." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too was not a bird to be seen there. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I shall be delighted." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," behind me. Holmes." key of the affair now." "How on earth--"