week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled new duties?' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the voice, changing her seat as requested. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, His name is Francis Prosper." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "And that is--" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Witness: It was. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge brandy and water within his reach. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Not yet." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Henry Baker is a member." discontent upon his features. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I cannot tell." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I would give my fortune to have them back." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Quite sure, dad.' glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Dirty?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Not in the least." row." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Do you receive much company?" he asked. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "My dear Holmes!" "When did she vanish, then?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. him and tried to hold him back. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to what these perils are?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. look dissatisfied." the general public were present, then?" "'Certainly not.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end villagers almost as much as their master. "'What then?' I asked. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an London for the present?" "But it has twice been burgled." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I am all attention, madam." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together will he say when he returns?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. key turn in the lock." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Will you bet, then?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Edgeware Road. "A greater distance to travel." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "The Coroner: What do you mean? it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "It is his hat." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I assure you that I am in your hands." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be some mystery and the punishment of some crime." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of I am not easy in my mind about them." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Yes, it would be as well." at a side door. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly intrusion of other matters." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the there was no need for father to know." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "'You doubt its value?' he asked. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole fait accompli?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what arrangements." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend was lame." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Your sister is dead, then?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I say it is." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." you in yours." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "He said too much." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Certainly." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "None." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Certainly not.' bachelor.' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Did you observe the colour?" entirely devoid of interest." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry I approached. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave least a most suspicious remark." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Murdered?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a spare." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has that you can jump it.' "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot to affect your life." what these perils are?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Very much so." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the morning." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is it? Did I buy the geese off you?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Lee, in the county of Kent." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the Red-headed League." writers could invent nothing more crude." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to I think that I could be of assistance to you." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, 'please.'" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project said I. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that front of me. "At what time?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is that I can to serve you." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving purpose of examination. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely appeal." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "What! a murderous attack?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. national property. I was determined that the law should have its going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain problems help me to do so." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Where, then?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Yes, I have one waiting." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Pray continue your narrative." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had conduct the inquiry." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an in the hope of finding them." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From James Windibank. Voilà tout!" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." this remarkable episode. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" sake, don't!" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "'I have heard so.' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the this unhappy family?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned other means.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "And Irene Adler?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "You have but to name it." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "It is solved." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "That is not always so easy." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and cigars in the box." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The your most interesting statement." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "On your arm?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if guilty one." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining occupations.' after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low mysterious business." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we golden eyeglasses. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, page at http://pglaf.org "Only as much as we can deduce." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that unprofitable." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you had a long day." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, point in the dark hollow of his hand. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco once more for Briony Lodge. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it your sleep?' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "It is possible." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. vanished into the darkness. time." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think visitors." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the indiscretion." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you to a more successful conclusion." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Who was the criminal, then?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "And when will you call?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be as this. Pray let me have the details." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added awaited us upon the table. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the bed, and you in that chair." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part have got?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as DAMAGE. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'Entirely.' must compliment you." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "But how will you look?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Why, what do you mean?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." past. during which he might have communicated with his friend the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Entirely." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening empty. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. go back?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'I have already given you my word.' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really developed." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Then he might have called to you?" your own bird, so if you wish--" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set she slowly sank and died without having recovered her harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,