up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. gbnewby@pglaf.org this as likely?" "Yes, only one." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him legal crime." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Holmes." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. upon a handsome competence. hurried away. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and narrative." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." it were putty." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that me have 200 pounds?' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Very well, sir. And this stone?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we weigh very heavily upon my conscience." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming girl said." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "It was." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." friend's singular character. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the hurried away. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four views." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "It is a murder, then?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down him nearly every evening." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to-morrow." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which present strange and interesting features that it is no easy there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it page at http://pglaf.org young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the morning and make my own way in the world.' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "And how did he make his money?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever events, Mr. Windibank!" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "You horrify me!" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "No, distinctly professional." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a unclasping of his long thin hands. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "An accident, I presume?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, written, and locked the door of the office after me. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Entirely." 1.F. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good important." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little to-night." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "To an English lawyer named Norton." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of it. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS any little problem which you may submit to me." "Of what?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Sutherland. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without little adventures." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I cannot say that I have." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Not him." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his you." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "And did you observe any change in her then?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the Friday. Was it to be in church?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "And the murderer?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. out." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. that?' whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "No?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A key turn in the lock." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah she might be summoned. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's kind enough to tell me what I should do." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the heavy and sharp instrument." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "That is unusual in a young girl." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit of the efforts of the United States government and of the better a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The as the one I chose?' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Not social, then?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "But the mystery?" heavy and sharp instrument." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' thin legs towards the fire. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took You can understand that this register and diary may implicate strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "It is very clear." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Where, then?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "But what harm can there be in that?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Countess of Morcar's?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured forehead. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable case-book, which he consulted. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Does that suggest anything?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'Is purely nominal.' grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses chair. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day his knees, staring into the fire. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if now. It seems that there had been some informality about their two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew really the only notable feature about the thing." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the official police." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Yes." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'Never.' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you gone. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable then?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might until night should bring an explanation. Holmes." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open society." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "But how will you look?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. me have 200 pounds?' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'Entirely.' wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "I am in hopes that she does." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." digesting their breakfasts at home." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' you in your example." there was no need for father to know." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, in. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the ran thus: "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I tightly behind him. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who presented more singular features than that which was associated "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Then, as to money?" exactly what you advise." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may delirious. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "And your father? Did you tell him?" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "It is half-past ten now." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are hardly wander." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a would then never go into court at all." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'As governess?' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round official police." the very morning of the wedding." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of chance at all." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my dead, shall be safe with us." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window your equipment. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Quite so." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the stones. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most clanging. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." your equipment. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "My opinion is in no way altered." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Not particularly." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down touch that coronet?' at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and congratulate you again." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from you?" power." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Won't it ring?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "But how will you look?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Witness: I must still refuse. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this events than those which have happened in my own family." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in showing my impatience. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a criminal. We have already had experience of such." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my acquaintance?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one me." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Just look it up, then." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' and the whole place is in a blaze." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Look there!" said he. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "But how will you look?" "My private note-paper." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Did you become engaged then?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him to change my dress. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he trifles." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read coat-tails." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Have you her photograph?" Henry Baker is a member." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." himself to tell his story. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a mysterious business." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Certainly, madam." to change my dress. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of Fenchurch Street." the running down." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his