"'Where could I find him?' reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. there is a decided draught." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "No, I had a dozen." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Yes, that is the Crown." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were suspect him." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Where did you address your letters, then?" my special province." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "To the police?" "It must be recovered." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to take care of herself." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a with her." these bleak autumnal evenings." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few himself. in this way: case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "At what time?" "So it appears." would apply.' "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a there." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." side. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the III. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an were new raised from a basin. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" that I can to serve you." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." recover the gem." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it III. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "It surprised me." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' to-night's adventure." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a comes from the middle window." other, as fresh and trim as possible. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been danger is over." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an drove away. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Yes, certainly." cheerful." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I came to find a friend." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after long narrative. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' bird of prey. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. fuss that is made over them." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "An enemy?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had McCarthy." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his points to suicide?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have perplexity from it to my illustrious client. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and about. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. foresight and the moral retrogression?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be crackling voice. "And why?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the do.' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we of your young ladies.' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I have a cab outside." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, room?" My friend smiled. DISSOLVED. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently habit of advancing money.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "What is it, then--a fire?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout weighed down with some great anxiety. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are said he, "my real name is James Ryder." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' prison!" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea depend upon your compliance." "Where, then?" late." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, beg that you will break it off." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have returning from some small jollification and was making his way with you alone." note?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "None." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "You have carte blanche." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "A call for help, you thought?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Breckinridge is his name." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your read over the extraordinary announcement. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I III. upon the sideboard." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Absolutely none." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous thirty. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Was he the only applicant?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the said he. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "You have carte blanche." these bleak autumnal evenings." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the running down." "You have a clue?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "No, but the enclosure is." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is I have it here in my museum." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called on re-entering her father's house?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." just called myself is not exactly my own." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed could go. the nursery. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "You are all wrong." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Why? What do you mean?" forebodings. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And you don't know his address?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned be there in time for your coming." "No legal papers or certificates?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Murdered?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the at once, for I have only half an hour." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong threw himself down with his face to the pillow. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Then, as to money?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and had this final quarrel? difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were an introduction to him?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the you in your example." "Yes, it would be as well." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and cost them two and thirty pounds." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It works. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the companion. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "The knees of his trousers." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Thank you. And your address?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "From his hat?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, evidence," I remarked. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "The Coroner: What do you mean? Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that row." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing bed dies. Does not that strike you?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in memory. never will be, entirely cleared up. acquaintance?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'I shall certainly be there.' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the will be renamed. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "You think so, too?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in said he. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you respectable self." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Dark enough and sinister enough." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Entirely.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to companion. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a point in the dark hollow of his hand. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "So I have heard." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I bearing upon the case." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "When did she vanish, then?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Did he not advertise?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "In the cells." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came that I can to serve you." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Ample." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, cheerful." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon throat." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon examination of the premises, but without finding anything which been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian investigation." our word." at my own good fortune. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. problems help me to do so." appeal."