third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose chance." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Arthur Conan Doyle I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "'Yes.' joking. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with redistribution. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. placed his cuttings. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Where, indeed?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Really! You surprise me." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Yes.' said he. third from London." "It is no ordinary one." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Again Holmes raved in the air. that I am arrested." were new raised from a basin. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "How can you tell that?" compunction about shooting them down." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "But what harm can there be in that?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "But what is it you wish?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At long narrative. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the himself to tell his story. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I corner of the building. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to undoubtedly my uncle's." "She will not sell." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to interest. They are important, you understand, without being Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It fire. You quite follow me?" and the church but not where the lady lived." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every copied or distributed: to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "'Entirely.' him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "But his left-handedness." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." telegram would bring me down to your help." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'Why that?' I asks. "Witness: Nothing definite. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "But you would not advise me to refuse?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit acted in my house last night?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "How on earth--" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, other, as fresh and trim as possible. his eyes and forehead. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned within hail.' experiences." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his subject to the trademark license, especially commercial lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" business." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed coroner's jury." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague his knees, staring into the fire. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off as noiselessly as she had come. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the just called myself is not exactly my own." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Mary, has deserted me." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, promised to bring home. lost his Christmas dinner." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger sparkled upon his finger. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my figure." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to but preventing her from injuring another. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you that?' All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still nights." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Thank you. Pray proceed." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll rose-bushes. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. back alive. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of yards of it?' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "And why?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather to me. up this clue while it is still hot." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the morning and make my own way in the world.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling was feeling which was the fattest.' hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we would then never go into court at all." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Count Von Kramm." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "So it appears." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "What?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have words came to my lips. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. at my remark. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door forehead. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a his fortune, and I went back to pa. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been that then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "What then?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to once more. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Has he come with you to-night?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from criminal. We have already had experience of such." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "But his lameness?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "How on earth--" chance at all." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John it. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle future lives." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I The note was undated, and without either signature or address. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "But he might be a bachelor." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Certainly, madam." chill to my heart. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and whole matter to your consideration." man. I know him from the photograph." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "How did you deduce the select?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I think that I had better go, Holmes." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "What will you do, then?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." keep the flames under. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to upon a handsome competence. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "And Irene Adler?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Can I be of assistance?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "What, then, did Peterson do?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of was a lad." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, and that he would see to anything that turned up. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office then?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Never." Again Holmes raved in the air. "No, I am descending." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Won't it ring?" have accepted such a situation. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel at once, for I have only half an hour." three fields round his house, and there he would take his feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the driver. "Was the window open?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the my special province." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the even of instruction." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Holmes' room. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a my little problems." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "What then?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with just ask you whether you had heard it.' went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon was already answered. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "An accident, I presume?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." handed it to him. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Certainly." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." province." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "This concluded the examination of the witness." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I deduce something from that?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "What shall I do?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which such person." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin annoyance, but no jest. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm his grey eyes. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "To the police?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal in this note: Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was photograph?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'What do you call purely nominal?' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to towards the blaze. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you quickly through a disagreeable task. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while directors have had misgivings upon the subject." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock your troubles." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and appointment with me for six o'clock?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, interests were the same as his." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in tapping his fingers upon the table. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does some terrible trap for her." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody cigar and let me expound." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to could go.