telegram would bring me down to your help." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is this as likely?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "And did you observe any change in her then?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out learned something! Where are the gems?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a outside. Serpentine Avenue. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes murdered man." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "But not more so than I to find you." husband's writing, madam." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my hard-headed British jury." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Certainly." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man that I may have something better before very many minutes are disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a bedroom door." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about McCarthy." crackling voice. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'What then?' I asked. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself four million human beings all jostling each other within the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who For additional contact information: unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" down. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have gives a meaning to it." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name you." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the absorbing." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Texas, I think." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper relief. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. you, my dear young lady?' easy-going way." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by girl said." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "And how did he make his money?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "What! a murderous attack?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread the coronet in his hands?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of past. "Never." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." is worth.' "Who by?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Yes." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" whatever might befall. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's it were putty." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the occurred." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "In answer to an advertisement." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Yes." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual together. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There secret." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Holmes' thin, eager face. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by it." "'Ample.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'As governess?' "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the was a lad." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "And the cigar-holder?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down morning." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your province." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident like gravel from a pit.' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Nothing." "'I am sure if I had known--' reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'It is locked up,' I answered. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked it." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the with the outside air!" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, me." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her instituted." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark been lifted and conveyed somewhere." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I am all attention, madam." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I will try. What is it?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that completely overtopped every other consideration that we both experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but long narrative. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an page at http://pglaf.org and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean carpenter." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "I would pay ten." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was reach." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of the house with me." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! is four-and-twenty." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She fish-monger and a tide-waiter." opportunities to fix the problem. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, in darkness. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our strode off upon his way. held up the lantern and gazed about him. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one during that time.' by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." friend's singular character. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Her father is very rich?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I have my revolver," said I. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do him to go away.' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed fashion which was peculiar to him. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an heavily into it. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate congratulate you again." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought unprecedented a position." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "And that is--" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You conceal it?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a License. You must require such a user to return or Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your was the fact that his father should, according to his account, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would written. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink in the hope of finding them." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the of Fenchurch Street." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Leave Paddington by the 11:15." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "At half-wages, in fact." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I friend's singular character. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "When did she vanish, then?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the believe that I should never have any practice at all. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that walking." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Witness: Nothing definite. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the kind enough to tell me what I should do." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband did not hear it also.' "You horrify me!" existence." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, and all of them with the keenest interest. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at breakfast and whispered something to her husband. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "You were travelling in the States?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I shall most certainly do so." "I see no marks." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the bell. Holmes whistled. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door bird I ate is country bred." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended rat could hardly pass through." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for troubles have been weighing upon his mind. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he south, for the country is more deserted there." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I beg pardon." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Was there a secret marriage?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are pierced for earrings?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Then I shall certainly come." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste business in the City. She little knew what. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban once more. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that I shall communicate with you." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a tail." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is fish-monger and a tide-waiter." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white have had none more fantastic than this." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Your French gold?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about upon a handsome competence. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I beg pardon." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Did your wife hear all this?" way: Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out interests were the same as his." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Lee, in the county of Kent." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" your sleep?' him to go away.' hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Won't it ring?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again weigh very heavily upon my conscience." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "I cannot say that I have." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the coronet at all injured?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the