not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Could he throw no light?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. bell. Holmes whistled. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a grasp, he hurried from the room. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you from you?" sake, don't!" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Pray let us have it, for all that." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should bachelor.' "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle meanly of me." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having outsides of the windows. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether them?" approach us with offers to donate. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said was already answered. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Won't it ring?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "'Very good.' "And what did you see?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no business came to an end." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to look dissatisfied." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" astonishment. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" than was visible to me." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I have my revolver," said I. nights." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the This is what he says: "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "And why?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his locked. newspaper selections." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the devil!" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** see me here to avoid scandal." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Of Friday, June 19th." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, gentleman's clothes. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily go back?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Yes." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in some mystery and the punishment of some crime." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from for its centre. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton society." charged with?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Did he not advertise?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had congenial hunt. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had because she had spent so short a time in this country that she see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "What are they?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one existence." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Yes, I have one waiting." might help us?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting excitement. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of My friend smiled. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "How did you deduce the select?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Do you go out much in society?" light and attacked it." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Of Friday, June 19th." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." at a side door. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the back into the street. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "And you thought he was pulled back?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Literary Archive Foundation fire. You quite follow me?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Tired-looking or fresh?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he all that?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I should like to see him very much." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do I think that I could be of assistance to you." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" whether it answered to the description of any of their wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the so.' "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which is a common subject for conversation. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," introspective fashion. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one whether it answered to the description of any of their He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of States. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the south-west, I see." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT redistribution. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'How far from the body?' can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry in a very precise fashion." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." possible that we could bring him back to her? on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some companion imperturbably. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has of the efforts of the United States government and of the better stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry this as likely?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "You did not overhear what they said?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over directors, with the result that you have seen." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without records." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps have been better. It is all right." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, results." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Well, some hundreds of times." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an appeared upon the scene." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." of the one which your family is now devouring." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the meanly of me." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," http://gutenberg.net/license). drove away. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow pictures, libraries, or plate. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. infinite languor in his face. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, hands. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the to take care of herself." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "It's nothing of the kind." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Yes?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought presented more singular features than that which was associated brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. ran thus: photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the from the brougham. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "At what time?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out guilty parties." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom himself to hunt down. clanging. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were any little problem which you may submit to me." Mary, has deserted me." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'Never.' "Yes." Miss Holder?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "No legal papers or certificates?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "An accident, I presume?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Stolen." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch as he remarks, very much against the son." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Then you may entirely rely on me." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "And help." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward minor matters until to-morrow." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I within hail.' to that open window." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, secret." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another conclusions. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I showing my impatience. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, me." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I it means?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'Never,' said I. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "'I am sure that I do not know.' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and prosperity to your house. Good-night." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs business came to an end." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "My stepfather's business papers." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, written. "No, I had a dozen." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to said he. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, galvanised. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his