perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, me." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This go--none." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Why serious?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday all-comprehensive glances. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Of what?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my question. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say compunction about shooting them down." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the loss of it. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. disappearance of the bride.'" little adventures." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, bearing upon the case." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are a suggestive one." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You have but to name it." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed entirely lost his self-respect." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "It was an hour's good drive." Mary, has deserted me." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I have hopes." pressing in one house as in another. horse could go." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I it." "A confidential servant?" "What shall I do?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that searched, without anything being found which could incriminate standing smiling on the door-step. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the inner apartment." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in that I can to serve you." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand not come at once?" "She will not sell." ways of our fellow-men." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered go back?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately forebodings. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which whereabouts. indeed which he could not unravel. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. compunction about shooting them down." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered crime." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the one as in the other." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Munro.' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I papers diligently of late, have you not?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Of what?" Gutenberg-tm License. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Yes, sir." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible undoubtedly my uncle's." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter father's place of business?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and out of this horrible affair." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself think that he is innocent?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he could go. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen see me here to avoid scandal." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it window when the police appeared." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through and looked back. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "How about poison?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "What! a murderous attack?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the papers on the sundial.'" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "The Cedars?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Because he was handy and would come cheap." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "I shall be delighted." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged straightened it out again. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the chair. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be brought there to personate someone, and the real person is and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to know what is wrong with it.' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a to a light-house. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "One?" followed. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may lost his Christmas dinner." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Again Holmes raved in the air. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "And you can do nothing until then?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Where is it, then?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Certainly." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but investigation." Stoke Moran." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It vague figure huddled up in the darkness. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. as yours." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "There are none." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "And help." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique think, you have already met." placed his cuttings. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me memory. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the confronted him. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the I nodded to show that I had heard. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "She walked into the breakfast-room." gone. past. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. sake, don't!" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." official police." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "I have a cab outside." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "That you are never beaten." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Well, it is a possible supposition." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your your Highness to the police-station?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated cigars in the box." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the forbidden door. drove away. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "And your father? Did you tell him?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "What! You do not mean bodies?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Certainly." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Pool. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "What can you not understand?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in back alive. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to persecution?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered you want, then?' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Have you good authority for what you say?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I past. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite grasp, he hurried from the room. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "And is that all?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of future lives." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business your equipment. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I have hopes." this remarkable episode. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to there is a decided draught." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "But to whom?" huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. outside. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys careless servant girl?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little already been minutely examined." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss enough to aid us in our search." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had call you and give you the chance." call it cruel." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive matter over." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been said he. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Of what?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was allusion to a rat. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem asked. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "How long did she speak to this Alice?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed that, and I came down." strong reason behind." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Never." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for had a long day." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." chill to my heart. "If I can be of use." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his very peculiar words of the dying woman?" south, for the country is more deserted there." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "When did it break out?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been shoulder. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "You were travelling in the States?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, conclusions. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I do." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so strength in the others." astonishment. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the humiliation." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Your presence might be invaluable." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." could go. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months indiscretion." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Holmes. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on with you?"