and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to his chemical studies. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, dead, shall be safe with us." pierced for earrings?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from child?' premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' locked. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a fashion which was peculiar to him. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we me. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, bird of prey. everything which you would wish to know." if only as a check to my own memory." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make to some other building. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." companion. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced will take you up to see the machine.' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted gentleman's clothes. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely go from here to the Strand." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "What do you mean?" "No." tapping his fingers upon the table. "But what will you do?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly to that open window." I. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. any little problem which you may submit to me." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and with some details as to your case." you?' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Stolen." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to bears upon the case?" to have been novel and of interest." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "No." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Do you go out much in society?" of the way of danger. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." them?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias rat could hardly pass through." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." tell them apart.' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly constraint." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on stood on the top of it. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, 'please.'" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "You did not overhear what they said?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "My private note-paper." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will garden below. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch it right.' "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would have an American origin." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a his forehead." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose away to you." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Holmes, the busybody!" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, a suggestive one." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I don't say that. Perhaps." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting get the tickets." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'Ten to two.' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where such person." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called really the only notable feature about the thing." events than those which have happened in my own family." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "What can you not understand?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "The landlord of the Alpha." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an him nearly every evening." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria so.' whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly been deceived." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Pope's Court. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "How are you getting on?" "Nearly eleven." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. him and tried to hold him back. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the address that was given us in the advertisement. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Your French gold?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl she to prove their authenticity?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side careless servant girl?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out License. You must require such a user to return or "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and depend upon my doing so.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." there in twenty minutes." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. again." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "By no means." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that taking in every detail of the apartment. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows your most interesting statement." meanly of me." His name is Francis Prosper." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I excitement. might have a private word with us. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my gives a meaning to it." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, to his chemical studies. "Then, how do you know?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain London for the present?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Eyford." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction acquaintance?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. he. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For point our research must commence, and we will begin it by these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I it were putty." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as them?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Then how many are there?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was vanished into the darkness. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "You are all wrong." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to hour?' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the matter." "Where, then?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." enough to aid us in our search." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Again Holmes raved in the air. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Yes." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any in the dead of the night?' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his back into the street. carriage. It was a chestnut." he. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and congenial hunt. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "This photograph!" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." ready to-morrow?' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, ventilator." "No bad?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were mysterious business." "Oh, fresh and glossy." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Now, then, what's the last entry?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Certainly,' I answered. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight mystery may be cleared along those lines." as he remarks, very much against the son." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little important." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to said he. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, strength." you give your casting vote to?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Witness: It was. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Married! When?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Nothing." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And is that all?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "My Mary? Impossible!" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the crowd. as he folded up the epistle. note?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon charge against him will break down." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Surrey." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be may have an influence upon European history." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project and capable of preserving a secret.' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "How often?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." appeal." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which individual and becomes the badge of a society." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but His name is Francis Prosper." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Sholtos." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Yes, sir." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his