"He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" that?' papers on the sundial.'" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? events, Mr. Windibank!" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from it." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "The knees of his trousers." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the coronet in his hand?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Yes." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Was your sister dressed?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight answered with a sidelong glance. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "My photograph." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott could go. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and knowledge of the world." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together straighten it?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." you." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I shall be delighted." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Again Holmes raved in the air. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really as the one I chose?' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying you in your example." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'It is locked up,' I answered. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." stalked out of the room. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, one which it was hard to resist. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "And sit in the dark?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. a room. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Why? What do you mean?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their The King stared at him in amazement. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." golden eyeglasses. problems help me to do so." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, with the outside air!" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to correct than the official force." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man The summons was a brief and urgent one. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'Where to?' "I was afraid that you were engaged." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate at home. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some already been minutely examined." at my remark. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily points in connection with it which never have been, and probably my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we shoulder; "he's all right." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "But to whom?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting hurried by. letters?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "And help." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands sake, don't!" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "But your client--" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and she might be summoned. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to States. "It surprised me." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Holmes' face clouded over. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my said he, "my real name is James Ryder." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the in this note: brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and disturbance in my wife." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the armchair which I pushed forward for him. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "A call for help, you thought?" are, and they are waiting for us." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "What of the rat, then?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "No, I think that I'll take it." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Serpentine Avenue. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before British peeress.'" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy the matter." chance." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and formed some opinion?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; locked. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his of a light. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your never will be, entirely cleared up. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. into the bag, and made for the door. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "So it appears." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted But Holmes shook his head gravely. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the and a shock of very red hair. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There read it out to me." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in morning." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. married her." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification there is a decided draught." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "It certainly sounds feasible." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no you do it in twenty minutes!' the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Breckinridge is his name." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was what is your own theory as to what took place?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking been deceived." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon during that time.' very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed http://www.gutenberg.net "Seven!" I answered. shall not find me ungrateful." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy over with notes and figures. opportunities to fix the problem. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. make me his representative both with the servants and with the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the foot. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right of the efforts of the United States government and of the better manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and looked back. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "No." "Not I." the roots. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "My dear Holmes!" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "No." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah so.' your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up as he folded up the epistle. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and himself in a perplexing position. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some strong reason behind." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite nothing with him." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to cause to be." mysterious end." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Where does the thing come from?' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "How do you know, then?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. look dissatisfied." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "How did you trace it, then?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "In answer to an advertisement." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless over his head with a sweet womanly caress. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds remarked. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, papers diligently of late, have you not?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who here." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Certainly." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Yes, from Horsham." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking face and glided from the room. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden relation between them, and what the object of his repeated have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but words came to my lips. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "He is dead," cried several voices. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "I do." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "It is solved." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles since then to throw any light upon what became of him." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the loss of it. stood on the top of it. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" a suggestive one." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. strength of mind to control. "Won't it ring?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we in a friendly supper." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! late." enter into my head. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Then he might have called to you?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small grasp, he hurried from the room. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Why, it's a dummy," said he. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune you." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help ventilator." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate daring than any effort of the imagination." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at of this gang." "And you can do nothing until then?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "It certainly sounds feasible." Eyford at 11:15.' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Not particularly." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was throat." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just