door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Again Holmes raved in the air. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass letters?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled will take you up to see the machine.' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "I will try. What is it?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Do you know him?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'Yes, sir.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his hurried by. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, back into the street. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'How far from the body?' "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, get the tickets." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a you?" "Yes, at the mines." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it had picked up in the wood. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps what is your own theory as to what took place?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of enter Dr. Roylott's room." as he folded up the epistle. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. there!' This is what he says: "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Get out!" said he. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I am following you closely," I answered. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and no precautions can guard against." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the or other trace. But how on earth--" own family. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray results." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Did you become engaged then?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. always that they were such commands as a lady might with towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I am sure." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this charged with?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. towards the blaze. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Cross for the Continent." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Never to return." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the loss of it. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable families. Now for the facts. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons least a fellow-countryman. your equipment. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Upon what point?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps straightened it out again. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the business matters.' have not had my rubber." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "No." carpenter." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." had picked up in the wood. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the tragedy. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, sparkled upon his finger. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his have an American origin." "But I am all in the dark." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Never." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "You heard nothing yourself last night?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either said I. "Why? What do you mean?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the beyond words. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'Why that?' I asks. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Pray let us have it, for all that." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and your relations to her." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Pope's Court. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "At the wedding breakfast." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and forbidden door. "My last client of the sort was a king." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Serpentine Avenue. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never when your master had gone out." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps would apply.' of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your clanging. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord here and I will read it to you: "Really! You surprise me." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an which we had just quitted. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was yards of it?' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is question," said Holmes, smiling. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I instituted." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little My friend smiled. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "My dear Holmes!" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "None." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she too. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. is a common subject for conversation. "Then you may entirely rely on me." events than those which have happened in my own family." success. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Foundation "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "But the mystery?" Eyford." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' your co-operation." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which upon an income of about 60 pounds." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of clang of the bell. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his this remarkable episode. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman conversation I have gathered that they have been married about inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed do.' populous neighbourhood." that I am arrested." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." papers diligently of late, have you not?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his murdered man." into the bag, and made for the door. to his chemical studies. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken depend upon my doing so.' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism and effective." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "We must have a cab." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax province." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Street. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" vanished into the darkness. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. bill, which interests me deeply." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my never will be, entirely cleared up. Munro.' the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine assist you in forming an opinion." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am opened the door, and slipped through. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "One of the highest in England." murdered man." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'Certainly not. But why?' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as in the hope of finding them." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Nothing." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "At what time?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "To the police?" the date of his supposed suicide." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "I shall be delighted." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round very peculiar words of the dying woman?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly hardly wander." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the compunction about shooting them down." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her burst into a hearty fit of laughter. that I may have something better before very many minutes are "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in then?" The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Then, as to money?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "No." 1.E.9. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Then I shall certainly come." weary and pale-looking. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all pressing in one house as in another. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than test if we have an answer to our advertisement." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the bill, which interests me deeply." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" case before our client came into the room." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott to surprise her." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I answered that I had not. thin legs towards the fire. then?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "What have you done?" asked Holmes. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in until night should bring an explanation. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an From what you have told me I think that it is possible that brandy and water within his reach. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "I am about to be married." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to villagers almost as much as their master. beyond words. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham too. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Ample." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Serpentine Avenue. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "How do you know, then?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Heh?' as this. Pray let me have the details." absorbing."