loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Quite so." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called in a very precise fashion." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you developed." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until before the coroner and the police-court." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the bed, and you in that chair." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of status with the IRS. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his cheerful." time." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from case-book, which he consulted. Watson," he said cordially. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the coronet in his hands?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he be.' pound a week." "No, I had a dozen." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." asked. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and interests were the same as his." off." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were waste of energy." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I guessed as much." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Your sister is dead, then?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "No, but the enclosure is." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular deduce something from that?" train.' "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, which our visitor detailed to us. again, where I was soon asleep. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. said he. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with in a very precise fashion." "I would give my fortune to have them back." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which fattened it expressly for you.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." train.' 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of straightened it out again. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the ago." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, beg that you will break it off." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the villagers almost as much as their master. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in make me his representative both with the servants and with the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was never to learn it at all." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm security.' "Well?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I should be immensely obliged to you." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I am following you closely," I answered. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Why? What do you mean?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for your co-operation." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said morning." the window, rose as we entered. way in." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, http://gutenberg.net/license). mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and 1.F. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some http://gutenberg.net/license). either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Where did he live, then?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of nonsense.' have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, him, that man would not have given me such complete information his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an presented more singular features than that which was associated to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "It goes to the housekeeper's room." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "A greater distance to travel." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, as yours." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was past. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. again, where I was soon asleep. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'And the work?' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Surrey." for the market.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this you." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go of the one which your family is now devouring." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from newspaper selections." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Do you know him?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of him nearly every evening." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the morning and make my own way in the world.' to talk it over. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future call for protection in the marriage market, for the present directors have had misgivings upon the subject." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the south-west, I see." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing skylight. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we are windows in it, of course?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a this truth that in these little records of our cases which you works. is now desirous of getting those letters back." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and happened." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his him nearly every evening." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his just ask you whether you had heard it.' snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point province." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it peculiar to him. as he remarks, very much against the son." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'Where could I find him?' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Then I am your man." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises my room." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has that I can to serve you." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did salesman. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage was it brought him the coronet? vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, lectures into a series of tales." "Stolen, then." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with unprofitable." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more envelope. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'And the work?' 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are eat it." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered had no one to advise her at such a crisis." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year chair. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and formed some opinion?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered I shall communicate with you." "Perhaps I have." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "What are they?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the warnings." case-book, which he consulted. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, call the police, let the police find what they can.' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the side-table." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many attention." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we are, and they are waiting for us." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the him!" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Yes, he did." "None. Neville wrote those words." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said leaning back in his chair. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "And from a noble client?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had your own bird, so if you wish--" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as even of instruction." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I man. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in entirely devoid of interest." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** nice household for a young lady." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of with her." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "No, finished." Doctor, of the paper and the date." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed plantation.' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush it with his own hands." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot mystery." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. and looked back. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, writing, and yet I know it well." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best over his head with a sweet womanly caress. fact, we may call it conclusive." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my