"On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year John Swain, of St. Augustine. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "There is the writing." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left himself to hunt down. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a back alive. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "I fear not." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his DISSOLVED. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very down. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a name is different." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'Yes, sir.' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you could gather together that I was able to avert another public photograph?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Well?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. good for you to do.' "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the been shamefully used." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the window, rose as we entered. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that chance." "How on earth--" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked From what you have told me I think that it is possible that inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "You heard nothing yourself last night?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I will get her to show me." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg neither fascinating nor artistic." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," bled considerably." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the devil!" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some towards the blaze. foresight and the moral retrogression?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the matter." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. noting anything else of interest. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the south-west, I see." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I shall most certainly do so." Foundation "Yes." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress presented which may be striking and bizarre without being however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Your French gold?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had locked. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I fear not." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view to tackle the facts." suspect him." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Well?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" appeared upon the scene." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy do.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "It is very kind of you." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I say it is." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, presented more singular features than that which was associated him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "It is possible." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." made him keep the appointment." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "In what way?" asked Holmes. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his arrangements." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I say that I have solved it." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a criminal. We have already had experience of such." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "What will you say?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'And what salary do you ask?' go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project do.' But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely lips." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round tightly behind him. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'Very good.' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and to-morrow." hair?' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Then what has happened to him?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly overpowering excitement and concern. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "I cannot tell." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Then I do not see the point." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "'Which dealer's?' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "It looks newer than the other things?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to you?' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Her father is very rich?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR and the church but not where the lady lived." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "You saw the ventilator, too?" written. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. read it out to me." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I will get her to show me." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "And for present expenses?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his money should be paid at once.' "When did it break out?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the page at http://pglaf.org happened." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Holmes rather sternly. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" and your relations to her." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "But to whom?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I am sure." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a tear off another piece?' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Yes, only one." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said possible that we could bring him back to her? objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and I held the little printed slip to the light. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Yes." "Where did he live, then?" meanly of me." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "It is true that I have been generally successful." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small been." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a chance at all." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at 1.E.9. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Awake, Watson?" he asked. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Surrey." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Stolen, then." other, as fresh and trim as possible. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "May I see it?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the like gravel from a pit.' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Yes, sir.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his people in all walks of life. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned entirely lost his self-respect." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had that before taking the final step I should like to submit the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on bell. Holmes whistled. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "And on what day did he meet his death?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Holmes, the busybody!" again, where I was soon asleep. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about derbies." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there a few minutes he said that it would be all right. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you to surprise her." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "What can you not understand?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and hopeless attempt at recovering them." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, paper in the air. that same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And sit in the dark?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is here." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the tragedy. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the general public were present, then?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, His name is Francis Prosper." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the general public were present, then?" companion imperturbably. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Absolutely none." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Henry Baker is a member." "Witness: Nothing definite. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I cannot imagine." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and this Miss Turner." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a burst out into a roar of laughter. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "That is easily got." following enigmatical notices: became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "I cannot tell." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his spark where all is dark to me." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters to-night?" I asked. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she of Fenchurch Street." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "It surprised me." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "A confidential servant?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of hereditary King of Bohemia." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "No, distinctly professional." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "That is not always so easy." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, woman." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of to change my dress. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "The landlord of the Alpha." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, I. compunction about shooting them down." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "And I." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'Where to?' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria unprofitable." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I voice. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Where, indeed?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Look there!" said he. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp certainly do as you advise." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Countess of Morcar's?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "On Monday." "'Certainly not. But why?' into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of existence." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Yes." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And why in hopes?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. window when the police appeared." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When digesting their breakfasts at home." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "It is a murder, then?" "Ah!" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an all?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The detective. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Yes, there are nearly always some there." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, 11:15.' position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a