his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Yes." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of learned something! Where are the gems?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." written, and locked the door of the office after me. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless mystery may be cleared along those lines." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I your bag." Countess of Morcar's?" miles off. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while tell me that you intended to go into harness." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of morning." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security 1.E.9. retorted upon me, and I on you." just ask you whether you had heard it.' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen amused." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Very truly yours, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the burst out into a roar of laughter. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Tired-looking or fresh?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and begun to whiten, even as mine has." "It must be recovered." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "But how?" "Never to return." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "What then?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'You cannot say what it was?' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this answered with a sidelong glance. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, face and glided from the room. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "You did not overhear what they said?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Have you good authority for what you say?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in this Miss Turner." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions said he. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "You did not overhear what they said?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, excitement. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "It is possible." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all to-morrow." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "What office?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in whether it answered to the description of any of their man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest of campaign. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not made his money." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they point in the dark hollow of his hand. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "And from a noble client?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "And why?" several quiet little villages up there." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left our word." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'I am sure that I do not know.' reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue individual and becomes the badge of a society." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I closing the door. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, had formerly been in part my own. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, legal crime." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and like that before?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a matter." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and house for five minutes.' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will arrangements." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a through." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough awkward doing business with an alias." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated foot. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'No, I know no one in these parts.' danger is over." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I presented more singular features than that which was associated "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. once more to my work. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "What office?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into be best to do. "Yes." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham have one." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached upon a handsome competence. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not as the one I chose?' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far such person." Munro.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I am sure." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." undoubtedly my uncle's." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out always that they were such commands as a lady might with and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. strength in the others." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare hand, madam?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I am still in the dark." he. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." she used." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already arrangements." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'Yes, it was gone.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "What! a murderous attack?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Have you it here?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are seen the man in the road." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the indeed which he could not unravel. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! chance at all." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his me upon any point which I do not make clear." "That sounds a little paradoxical." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "You have the photograph?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, and inquire as to the address." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged be there in time for your coming." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Street. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Thank you. Pray proceed." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "She showed me, as I told you she would." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "But you have hopes?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'Oh, no.' distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'I have heard so.' all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something there was no need for father to know." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face matter over." "Have you her photograph?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin upon the shelf for the interim." "Where, then?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Well?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, way in everything. article?" "But his left-handedness." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already conceal it?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to taking in every detail of the apartment. good for you to do.' "Entirely." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "But how?" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get so far?" mystery." one which it was hard to resist. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "And sit in the dark?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to results." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and help us in this matter." believe that I should never have any practice at all. be there in time for your coming." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. of the one which your family is now devouring." "Nothing." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Certainly." have had none more fantastic than this." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked fuss that is made over them." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his gone. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Was there a secret marriage?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Certainly." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the to take care of herself." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the cheerful." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. quickly through a disagreeable task. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we round with crates and massive boxes. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do his grey eyes. "It surprised me." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." voice. "A confidential servant?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "My dear Holmes!" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and