"That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my skylight. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, your billet.' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid emerged. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old charge against him will break down." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which behind me. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'Certainly not.' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Doctor, of the paper and the date." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "When did she vanish, then?" I was concerned in it." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "The rest you will leave in our hands." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for frequently gained my first real insight into the character of thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful triumphant cloud from his cigarette. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Upon what point?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "'Quite sure, dad.' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we away in different directions, and I went off to make my own events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if for its centre. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the in. "No." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per least a fellow-countryman. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and in his hands." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I shall most certainly do so." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." where we are going." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa respectable self." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "That sounds a little paradoxical." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "None." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple indiscretion." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." if only as a check to my own memory." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Yes." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Munro.' "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I was afraid that you were engaged." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I shall be delighted." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found completely overtopped every other consideration that we both front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular companion imperturbably. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." fled together." "No?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, you do it in twenty minutes!' "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was you." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "The doctor?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the could gather together that I was able to avert another public of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had happened." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good get her out of the way." where we are going." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." congenial hunt. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before one which it was hard to resist. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw window when the police appeared." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence how narrow had been my escape. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you bearing upon the case." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Married! When?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Doctor, of the paper and the date." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her your billet.' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." highroad, where all traces were lost. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet strong reason behind." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his voice, changing her seat as requested. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on golden eyeglasses. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "But what harm can there be in that?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of written, and locked the door of the office after me. some water from a caraffe. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It mystery!" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether been anything against him. He had for years been known as a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "'Stolen!' he cried. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only carpenter." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the grasp, he hurried from the room. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in prisoner's face. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can orange pips. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute your co-operation." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the quite distinctive." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure never will be, entirely cleared up. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "You heard nothing yourself last night?" some water from a caraffe. "What office?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Yes." of the vacancies.' Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the tell him that I know him to be innocent." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hour?' go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "And you thought he was pulled back?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Married! When?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Did you become engaged then?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'Never.' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Pool. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the I held the little printed slip to the light. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "What do you make of that, Watson?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which the morning and make my own way in the world.' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the Red-headed League." your most interesting statement." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "That is also quite modern," said the lady. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new on re-entering her father's house?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite father's place of business?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have extraordinary contortions. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "We were both in the photograph." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Yes, that is the Crown." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham night.' said he. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. never came back." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I would pay ten." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Pray do so." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Why, what do you mean?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "You horrify me." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up charged with?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that was keenly on my guard against him. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at when you have done it." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "The knees of his trousers." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most The police have openly confessed that they can at present make make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was posted to-day." "Proceed, then." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that him nearly every evening." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." works. See paragraph 1.E below. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must giving me time to thank him. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." he. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place despair." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, matter." persecution?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Nothing?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "What shall I do?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from companion. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window back to my heart. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late at my remark. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at upon an income of about 60 pounds." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with me, and I could not think that his explanation of the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "It is very clear." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window him. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the a little more before I quite committed myself. words came to my lips. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had comes from the middle window." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power cigar and let me expound." maiden herself was most instructive." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have green of the new foliage. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the very letters. But what is this written above them?' is," said he presently: "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "That is possible." overpowering excitement and concern. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been furiously. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "On Monday." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was I nodded to show that I had heard. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'Which dealer's?' of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Can I be of assistance?" instituted."