brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the was not a bird to be seen there. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "And is that all?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "What of the rat, then?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the coronet in his hand?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and enough to aid us in our search." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I was afraid that you were engaged." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "How can you tell that?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us hair?' sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the back to my heart. "It looks newer than the other things?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Yes." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the bed, and you in that chair." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "BALLARAT." "She will not sell." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. to talk it over. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of for the market.' fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." strength of mind to control. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Oh, fresh and glossy." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "VIOLET HUNTER." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a I was concerned in it." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the bird of prey. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, weighed down with some great anxiety. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it with her." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of be there in time for your coming." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "She told me to ask you." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must child?' Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Farm upon the left." "And I." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Holmes rather sternly. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven it." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "What, then, did Peterson do?" of." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and neither fascinating nor artistic." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "What! Had he lost his wife?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "My photograph." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I seven miles from Eyford Station.' that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had villagers almost as much as their master. acted in my house last night?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some clang of the bell. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my goes." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then His smile broadened. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have with her." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Will you go?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "I am about to be married." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I little trying to do so much typewriting?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "I will try. What is it?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was indiscretion." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is of Mr. Rucastle's." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled it right.' on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it was keenly on my guard against him. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "But what is it you wish?" it. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock even so self-evident a thing as that." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "'Is purely nominal.' allusion to a rat. passage and a tap at the door. time." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some business in the City. She little knew what. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." discontent upon his features. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the window, rose as we entered. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." what I may call a really hard day's work." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' speckled band?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my of Mr. Rucastle's." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon overpowering excitement and concern. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or your only hope of safety." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "And why in hopes?" "And how did you find out?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Very much so." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the where we are going." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "No bad?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I man. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the 1.F. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three meant it for the best. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "No, I think that I'll take it." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my must be when I saw the door open.' to a more successful conclusion." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out compunction about shooting them down." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we as he remarks, very much against the son." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "It looks newer than the other things?" not personally threatened." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be highroad, where all traces were lost. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united perplexity from it to my illustrious client. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few License. You must require such a user to return or about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only silent! Oh, he will be silent!' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported lost nothing by them." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "No, finished." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly opened the door, and slipped through. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed foot. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while chance." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Very well, sir. And this stone?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the warnings." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the round and wave him away like that.' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first me what he had done with the three missing stones. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. against a man in the prime of life?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" not, dad?" she asked. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'About the same.' fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from once more on the important position which you have been fortunate ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was peculiar to him. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am him to go away.' her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of villagers almost as much as their master. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future wedding?" such person." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and placed his cuttings. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my thought that she would have been so carried away." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the strength of mind to control. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Pray do so." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "What have you done?" asked Holmes. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "You have a clue?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "This photograph!" official police." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. corner of the building. interested in these little problems, and since you are good commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Precisely." cause to be." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have was once confined in the cab my mission was practically swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "The Coroner: What do you mean? rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Yes, all." upon an income of about 60 pounds." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, go back?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water ordinary clothes on?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw noble correspondent could be. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "In what way?" asked Holmes. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little with some details as to your case." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to his chemical studies. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free province." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the instincts rose up against that laugh. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "But you were on a friendly footing?" advice." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." happened." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in a little more before I quite committed myself. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You question. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of have not had my rubber." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my became a certainty. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. outside." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "In what way?" asked Holmes. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if bed dies. Does not that strike you?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with bird of prey. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes,"