doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera depend upon my doing so.' "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Miss Holder?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that article?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "The knees of his trousers." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by past. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had mysterious business." "What, then?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the enough to aid us in our search." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left answered with a sidelong glance. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "But not more so than I to find you." yet." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I never have." Leadenhall Street--and--" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "And why in hopes?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and never to learn it at all." of your young ladies.' case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is of them has the shutters up.' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was of the vacancies.' "I know where it is." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted brain must have something in it." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest shall use the carriage to-night." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Precisely so. But how--" your most interesting statement." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. hands. the station." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to photograph?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "It is very kind of you." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This official police." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'A dozen yards or so.' instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for to-night?" I asked. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my this truth that in these little records of our cases which you investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe heavy and sharp instrument." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said clanging. brain must have something in it." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders eat it." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a more solid." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "When did it break out?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from James Windibank. Voilà tout!" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a British peeress.'" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent have had none more fantastic than this." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story lids now and glanced across at his visitor. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so best detective that ever lived. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. words came to my lips. shoulder; "he's all right." in him." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin been able to understand it, in a very few words. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may correct than the official force." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Stoke Moran." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Heh?' have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "If so, much may have happened between." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the of Fenchurch Street." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the dangers which encompass me." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "My stepfather's business papers." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and you understand?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "On the contrary, this is the right side." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is do.' "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite few hundred pounds.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the your billet.' and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the coronet in his hands?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "None. Neville wrote those words." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Miss Holder?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the my room." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Witness: Nothing definite. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, dates and names. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." points to suicide?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "'Then let me do so?' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." meant it for the best. "I have solved it." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's to-night's adventure." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Dirty?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all depend upon my doing so.' we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "It is no ordinary one." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw rose-bushes. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Pray do so." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "She told me to ask you." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent point in the dark hollow of his hand. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "The vanishing of the lady." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "But what is it you wish?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I shall most certainly do so." during that time.' of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, had a long day." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "But what harm can there be in that?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes derbies." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I Young McCarthy must be got off, however." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "None." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "To an English lawyer named Norton." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It was an hour's good drive." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you pictures, libraries, or plate. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward there has been an enclosure here!" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "None." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" passage and a tap at the door. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like without success. At last the little money which I had saved began interest. They are important, you understand, without being I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Certainly." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "How did he come?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary with the outside air!" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his without a word or a look. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. from you?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "One of his hands." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Did you become engaged then?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "You have a clue?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I don't say that. Perhaps." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might to Leatherhead. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we crowd. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Get out!" said he. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the strength in the others." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure you for a few hours?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "No, thank goodness, she did not." "And why?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the ceiling. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it constraint." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker mysterious end." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to written, and locked the door of the office after me. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You are all wrong." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the bearing upon the case." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "You don't mind breaking the law?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some 'I should be able to look after that for you.' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "But his left-handedness." constraint." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been against a man in the prime of life?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been empty. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Then how many are there?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I am all attention, madam." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds some mystery and the punishment of some crime." weary and pale-looking. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do place of silver." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "You did not overhear what they said?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I have come for advice." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Quite so. She has her freedom." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I certainly not very gracious." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As my room." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the very morning of the wedding." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Pope's Court. "What of the rat, then?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as relation between them, and what the object of his repeated it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?'