astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney weapon." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more do." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird of them has the shutters up.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "No. His orders were to stay in the house." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at exactly what you advise." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and danger is over." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of You want to know what became of those geese?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the astonishment. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable together. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink down. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "And who is her maid?" disappearance of these gems?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove him." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "My stepfather's business papers." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "He slept on the premises." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which searched, without anything being found which could incriminate or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back works. See paragraph 1.E below. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our if only as a check to my own memory." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses infinite languor in his face. to that open window." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Do you know him?" friends, not even his own brother. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'Then let me do so?' Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Where did he live, then?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your village inn over there?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Thank you. Pray proceed." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Proceed, then." will take you up to see the machine.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Pray continue your narrative." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "But what harm can there be in that?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who place no limit on the sum I may draw." dates and names. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Yes, sir.' "Do you receive much company?" he asked. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I see many objections to any such theory." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office instincts rose up against that laugh. "I have seen the police." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Nearly eleven." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at shall use the carriage to-night." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and sound at heart." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Certainly." papers on the sundial.'" respectable self." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Sutherland. your troubles." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there again on its way. you understand?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'How far from the body?' "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Yes." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close II. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the one's self under obligations.' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Tell me all about it,' said I. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the there when the Rucastles went away." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a is acting for the best. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some like gravel from a pit.' "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Witness: It was. rat could hardly pass through." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "What is it, then--a fire?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I am all attention, madam." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "What can you not understand?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "It is a murder, then?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to think that any burglar could have done. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of The King stared at him in amazement. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and The note was undated, and without either signature or address. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "It is solved." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, for its centre. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then woman." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, do you make of it all?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Witness: Nothing definite. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was in a very precise fashion." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more and capable of preserving a secret.' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. your equipment. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that here." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Yes, it would be as well." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really fact, we may call it conclusive." our word." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and galvanised. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as seem to you to be relevant or not." back into the street. minor matters until to-morrow." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than imbecility!" he cried. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to where he stood hid behind the curtain. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "But we can't all be." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid them present such singular features as the strange train of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "How did you trace it, then?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with official police." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander papers." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in hardly wander." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. used to be." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "By no means." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is chill to my heart. started for the Temple to see my husband. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other amused." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which fishes. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." had died away into the silence from which it rose. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called straighten it?" of receipt of the work. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me like that before?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his coroner's jury." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of were unconscious?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my interests were the same as his." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Yes." the very morning of the wedding." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further paper in the air. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. instincts rose up against that laugh. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." it means?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So ashen face. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly wife's character?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Who was the criminal, then?" disappearance of the bride.'" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Where did you address your letters, then?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such examine." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather she might be summoned. the very morning of the wedding." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a someone who had been in Australia." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't in a friendly supper." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." brandy and water within his reach. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found bedroom door." "Where, then, is my wife?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the King without delay." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "And is that all?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a question," said Holmes, smiling. as he remarks, very much against the son." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. asked. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive The note was undated, and without either signature or address. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, village inn over there?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the enter Dr. Roylott's room." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Where, then?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your eavesdroppers?' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to empty. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Pray do so." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more been deceived." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. best detective that ever lived. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as works. See paragraph 1.E below. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "What can you not understand?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Gutenberg-tm License. main points of my analysis." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence