recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Breckinridge is his name." joking. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one attention." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to there!' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with which was all perfectly true. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had experiences." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Yes, from Horsham." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting husband's writing, madam." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his writer." letters?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common business in the City. She little knew what. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, it." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose lamp in his hand. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. dates and names. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked strength of mind to control. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you do it in twenty minutes!' already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot I approached. "But we can't all be." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the for and were ordered to this address. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into discontent upon his features. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the be. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Certainly." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Yes, it would be as well." "Not I." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the where she found matters as described by the last witness. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'How far from the body?' order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one business matters.' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "What, then, did Peterson do?" down. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to placed his cuttings. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been outside. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for frequently gained my first real insight into the character of taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and fuss that is made over them." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue directly by questioning you." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have about. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." Cross for the Continent." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Mrs. Toller serenely. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "'Is purely nominal.' met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire fire. You quite follow me?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'Certainly not. But why?' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "And that is--" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Very murderous indeed." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Your presence might be invaluable." other, as fresh and trim as possible. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last me what he had done with the three missing stones. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of than to us. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch his face which made him a very different person to the round, Dr. Gregory B. Newby to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be in his power. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always companion. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are now. It seems that there had been some informality about their standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Very much so." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." it." "'Certainly,' I answered. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he yards of it?' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Then, as to money?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Pray continue your narrative." "It is his hat." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and unprecedented a position." "Yes, at the mines." the stable lane now." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," and a shock of very red hair. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he were new raised from a basin. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature own family. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Yes, at the mines." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "By no means." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I fear not." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Witness: I must still refuse. "Pray do so." "'As governess?' despair." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Yes." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should papers." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't have accepted such a situation. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and will find little credit to be gained out of this case." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Bought." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is from you?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "She walked into the breakfast-room." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would IS people in all walks of life. will be renamed. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "He said that you could solve anything." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, may have an influence upon European history." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a once more on the important position which you have been fortunate of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into away to you." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "How often?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Then I am your man." question," said Holmes, smiling. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, papers must be those that are destroyed.' And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you money should be paid at once.' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could fire. You quite follow me?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Street. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE one which it was hard to resist. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the armchair which I pushed forward for him. upon the sideboard." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Absolutely none." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I shall be delighted." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "So I have heard." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "And sit in the dark?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus the tragedy. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in enough to aid us in our search." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob undoubtedly my uncle's." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of have I gained?" suspect him." "No." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "But the mystery?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole neither fascinating nor artistic." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the window, rose as we entered. "We have tried and failed." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Were they all fastened this morning?" gone. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Indeed! Whose, then?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Watson," he said cordially. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project friends, not even his own brother. in my life." "Dirty?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not back alive. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who hands. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You shoulder; "he's all right." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away that threaten you." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "'What then?' I asked.