felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must asked with his eyes open. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place him. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would undoubtedly my uncle's." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "And now?" He raised his hand. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our perplexity from it to my illustrious client. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My how narrow had been my escape. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'Yes.' door?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. within hail.' I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "You forget that I know nothing about it." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged sound at heart." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, business matters.' to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was morning." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Has he come with you to-night?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue was a lad." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came charge against him will break down." following enigmatical notices: fire. You quite follow me?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, imbecility!" he cried. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit this poor creature." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'Entirely.' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did during the last few years, and there are many noble families to iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. McCarthy." quick march!" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Mary, has deserted me." people in all walks of life. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "No legal papers or certificates?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross to have that photograph." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "It is no ordinary one." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the be sorry for having acted so harshly." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed crime. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the less than 26s. 4d. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "You are certainly joking, Holmes." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Absolutely none." "But she could not love him." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "That sounds a little paradoxical." "No legal papers or certificates?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "And why in hopes?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would had died away into the silence from which it rose. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "If so, much may have happened between." amused." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The arms and began to sob in a high treble key. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to kind enough to tell me what I should do." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Oh, the cause is excellent!" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so prove to be little relation between the different incidents of be there in time for your coming." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "'There is a drive, then?' you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town mysterious end." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Never." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton DAMAGE. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Come in!" said Holmes. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the appeared upon the scene." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Get out!" said he. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me narrative." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had easy-going way." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'And the work?' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into you in your example." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not within hail.' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Yes." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian quite distinctive." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the narrative." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Ah, but I was recommended to you." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and the whole place is in a blaze." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon McCarthy." "Where to?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "And you can do nothing until then?" hard-headed British jury." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive strength of mind to control. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and been." "'About the same.' "He is still with you, I presume?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Does that suggest anything?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Pray do so." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should into the bag, and made for the door. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, remarked. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers details." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them and all of them with the keenest interest. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "You are hungry," I remarked. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "'Very good.' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "And how have you succeeded?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even goes." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the nothing of it?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, more solid." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Yesterday." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the night.' said he. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, room?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. said he. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his acquaintance?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "And the murderer?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Yes, it would be as well." new duties?' some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. made his money." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure will take you up to see the machine.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By about. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day strength in the others." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a security.' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Do you know him?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was morning." back to my heart. away into the river." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall occupations.' "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might hardly wander." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a of your young ladies.' "I see many objections to any such theory." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so have had none more fantastic than this." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. character. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. her also." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more o'clock is it?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers have established a very serious case against the son of the the night.' red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'And the work?' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! of Fenchurch Street." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. but preventing her from injuring another. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Gutenberg-tm License. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize was shining brightly. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. DAMAGE. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the tell him that I know him to be innocent." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "What do you mean?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when desk. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found matters immensely." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled name is different." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see rooms." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to purpose of examination. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Ah, but I was recommended to you." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "10th. John Swain cleared. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of it with the greatest attention. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "'In my own bureau.' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect