where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "And on what day did he meet his death?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. have I gained?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I cannot imagine." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me again." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. affection." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I cannot tell." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a following enigmatical notices: so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to be there in time for your coming." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "And the murderer?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was of the vacancies.' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of where we are going." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "But your client--" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet one of them." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as head. So long, then!" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that was already answered. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with which was all perfectly true. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted fatally injured? "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "A client, then?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. that he has suffered." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Imitated." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and helping a boy to put up the shutters. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Deserted you?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. charge against him will break down." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "And how did you find out?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself not, dad?" she asked. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the it." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in I nodded again. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "VIOLET HUNTER." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has directors, with the result that you have seen." closing the door. breakfast?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were of campaign. any." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and heavy and sharp instrument." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I would pay ten." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end wedding?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too it right.' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man think that any burglar could have done. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of and wait." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the third from London." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with shaken than I had ever seen him. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet singular points about the case. What did the police think of the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "I am sure." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. confronted him. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I should like to see him very much." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we he died? young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any them present such singular features as the strange train of begun to whiten, even as mine has." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that true." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Was there a secret marriage?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of she to prove their authenticity?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, me where it went to?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in into the bag, and made for the door. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back how narrow had been my escape. allusion to a rat. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, main points of my analysis." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into hurried away. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that you can jump it.' "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are who was a member of your goose club." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Yes, they were peculiar boots." locked. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "How about poison?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very upon a handsome competence. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman corner of the building. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? your troubles." "What?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a round and wave him away like that.' seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant his face. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the read over the extraordinary announcement. "It came here." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of will be renamed. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "My stepfather's business papers." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, it." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Heh?' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him note?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about as noiselessly as she had come. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and I was concerned in it." as the one I chose?' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "My own seal." him. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the attention." "Yes. He waved his hands." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the warnings." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I that he has suffered." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers shoulder; "he's all right." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Dr. Gregory B. Newby comes from the middle window." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf fattened it expressly for you.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the photograph a cabinet?" formed some opinion?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, be best to do. not fit the lock." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you if I call to-morrow?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "It is a murder, then?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek of the efforts of the United States government and of the better conversation I have gathered that they have been married about o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man any." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "How about poison?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided something of him before." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other ways of our fellow-men." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling awkward doing business with an alias." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It correct than the official force." will take you up to see the machine.' mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after remarked. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it bore every mark of being an average commonplace British papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the direction." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of plantation.' speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor for securing the situation." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, his wife has ceased to love him." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in opened the door, and slipped through. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They prisoner's face. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and drove away. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. himself. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many even so self-evident a thing as that." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire to talk it over. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Yes, from Horsham." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. over with notes and figures. it means?" is a common subject for conversation. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "And why in hopes?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." for and were ordered to this address. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I