the coronet at all injured?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "An enemy?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Yes." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I tell him that I know him to be innocent." papers." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Yes, only one." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "On the contrary, this is the right side." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "The landlord of the Alpha." felt the room to be a little close.' letters?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had call it cruel." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of green of the new foliage. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I shall be delighted." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be said he. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Will you bet, then?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. lips." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it prisoner's face. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Then how many are there?" "And the cigar-holder?" "And how in the world did you find them?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must that, and I came down." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Entirely." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector You want to know what became of those geese?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "If I can be of use." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock tightly behind him. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of see a sister of mine apply for." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both gone. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for money should be paid at once.' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I cannot say that I have." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. whatever might befall. him nearly every evening." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'What then?' I asked. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was carriage. It was a chestnut." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own directors, with the result that you have seen." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled use an arc-and-compass breastpin." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl some city in a dream. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I assure you that I am in your hands." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the tied." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Always." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of a monotonous occupation." morning." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Pool. late!' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that distinguish the words: time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As careless servant girl?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." emerged. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, lost his Christmas dinner." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." awaited us upon the table. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a to me. better grown goose." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Foundation "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "And you can do nothing until then?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "What shall I do?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Never.' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But interests were the same as his." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner presume?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls will take you up to see the machine.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive really the only notable feature about the thing." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I am all attention, madam." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with she slowly sank and died without having recovered her stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Of what day?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "How are you getting on?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the head. So long, then!" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Leadenhall Street--and--" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Do you know him?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Perhaps we may make them less so." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary people don't know." to a more successful conclusion." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "'In my own bureau.' "Yes." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "And sit in the dark?" "Yes, that is the Crown." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I see no marks." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "You have compromised yourself seriously." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key to his chemical studies. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I with you alone." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! call for it in person on Monday morning.' These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had long narrative. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to fear." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There where we are going." "So I have heard." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the himself in a perplexing position. believe that I should never have any practice at all. outside." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and was keenly on my guard against him. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike returning from some small jollification and was making his way remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could visitors." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the it." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of http://gutenberg.net/license). was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" My friend smiled. "My own seal." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Then I shall certainly come." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly shall use the carriage to-night." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "I will try. What is it?" "Well." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they papers on the sundial.'" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Precisely." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and a shock of very red hair. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant of Mr. Rucastle's." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "The vanishing of the lady." both be extremely obliged.' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the at a side door. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, girl said." His name is Francis Prosper." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Literary Archive Foundation before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "What can it mean?" I gasped. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' from the brougham. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I kind enough to tell me what I should do." "The knees of his trousers." "No, distinctly professional." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "He is dead," cried several voices. on in his house." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Where did you address your letters, then?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "That also I could fathom." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "What then?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it presume?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, with some details as to your case." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his acted in my house last night?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Were they all fastened this morning?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "She showed me, as I told you she would." more terrible than the truth. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." detective. "I guessed as much." "That is possible." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident said I. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'What would be the hours?' I asked. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'Not at all. I only doubt--' connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I shall be delighted." "Then the page we have seen--" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me me, and I could not think that his explanation of the memory. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "His face fell immediately. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "The Cedars?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, case-book, which he consulted. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend compunction about shooting them down."