to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I see many objections to any such theory." "I am in hopes that she does." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' there!' her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Why serious?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not sneer upon his pale face. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is this man was intellectual?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we direction." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which do.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might one of them." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'As governess?' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in be.' necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who nights." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Here?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "My opinion is in no way altered." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my go from here to the Strand." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'I am sure if I had known--' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is know that the truth is known." "But how did you gain them?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon just called myself is not exactly my own." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the one as in the other." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I am armed." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "And how did you verify them?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Of what day?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near whatever might befall. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By gbnewby@pglaf.org preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the ceiling. "The Coroner: What do you mean? been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his matter over." meant." 1.F. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would since then to throw any light upon what became of him." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "When did she vanish, then?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in as he remarks, very much against the son." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. envelope. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" I nodded to show that I had heard. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the King without delay." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Not yet." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "You did not overhear what they said?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "I say it is." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "You horrify me." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, absorbing." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a like that before?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second nothing with him." breakfast." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my crowd. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'Yes.' any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every skylight. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to about. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "How did you deduce the select?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. papers diligently of late, have you not?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "This photograph!" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH works. said I. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying not as remarkable as your advertisement." o'clock is it?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Arthur Conan Doyle fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the I nodded to show that I had heard. "And Irene Adler?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom served to weaken the effect. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole new acquaintance to Baker Street. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "'You cannot say what it was?' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been discontent upon his features. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I have my revolver," said I. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project easy-going way." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the at my remark. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my clanging. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers advice." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and three of the beryls in it, was missing. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home awaited us upon the table. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Yesterday." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from events, Mr. Windibank!" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a companion. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your companion quietly. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir this Miss Turner." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. neither fascinating nor artistic." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I was mad--insane." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the you." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you a room. attention." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Yes." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so fish-monger and a tide-waiter." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you ill-usage at the hands of fortune. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "No, distinctly professional." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Where to?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. main points of my analysis." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "She will not sell." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your true." question. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Certainly, madam." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "It was." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that when you have done it." crime." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened bird I ate is country bred." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Where to?" secret." empty. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that was feeling which was the fattest.' of Mr. Rucastle's." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Which dealer's?' "But to whom?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should kindly on the shoulder. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and put his glass in his pocket. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with fear." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I shall continue with my miserable story. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that friends, not even his own brother. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call pierced for earrings?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke could go. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "No good news?" wife's character?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the cigars in the box." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the affection." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Was the window open?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "One of the highest in England." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "It was an hour's good drive." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Then the page we have seen--" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the matter?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "It certainly sounds feasible." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Was there a secret marriage?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the page at http://pglaf.org appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the so-precious time, but come!' "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was forebodings. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you ran thus: said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Sholtos." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered your room." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." said he. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "No." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "So I heard. You have him here?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." appeal." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features conclusions. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual stalked out of the room. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "When did it break out?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, I have it here in my museum." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your goes." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the dangers which encompass me." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. companion imperturbably. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Why serious?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard she used." States. gone. corner of the building. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. burst out into a roar of laughter. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his guilty parties." chambers. what is your own theory as to what took place?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg