suspect him." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace them, and came down just as you departed. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Well, but China?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he it means?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his just called myself is not exactly my own." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. my little problems." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. depend upon your compliance." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the you in yours." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made like that before?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." ago." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know occupations.' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the roots. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just fishes. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me new acquaintance to Baker Street. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would posted to-day." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "No." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended stood on the top of it. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a felt the room to be a little close.' "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Yes, only one." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "What is it?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in there when the Rucastles went away." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Henry Baker is a member." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon voice. desk. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Was the window open?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." been with you?" would then never go into court at all." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable But Holmes shook his head gravely. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive go from here to the Strand." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. in a friendly supper." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of upon the white wrist. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you hard-headed British jury." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself tension within him. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'Yes, sir.' "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "How did he come?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right closing the door. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, companion imperturbably. "But how?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "But who is he?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one them, and came down just as you departed. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging ready to-morrow?' "And who is her maid?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, might help us?" in a friendly supper." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in prisoner's face. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and one which it was hard to resist. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in stepfather?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right depend upon your compliance." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen and inquire as to the address." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I answered that I had not. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "What is it, then--a fire?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Why serious?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "My photograph." "Whose house is it?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That is so. I know all about McCarthy." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of suspect him." appeal." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I think that any burglar could have done. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, DAMAGE. thin legs towards the fire. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently never came back." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, emerged. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the advice." "Pray let us have it, for all that." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable you give your casting vote to?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, photograph a cabinet?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "What! You do not mean bodies?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." about here speaks of his kindness to him." late." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to cigar and let me expound." not as remarkable as your advertisement." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the important." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "The gentleman I describe." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "At the wedding breakfast." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I am about to be married." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before details." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She child?' sneer upon his pale face. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the have not had my rubber." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." showing my impatience. any." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases him. "Holmes, the busybody!" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done do you make of it all?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in characteristics, but those are the more obvious." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." was lame." delighted to hear it," he said. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came some terrible trap for her." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I present strange and interesting features that it is no easy and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden strong reason behind." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and father's place of business?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle generous with you in money matters.' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take would apply.' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly at my own good fortune. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I have a cab outside." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the stones. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "In San Francisco, a year ago." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Then I am your man." his eyes and forehead. "VIOLET HUNTER." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'Why that?' I asks. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid good for you to do.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right point in the dark hollow of his hand. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "You have but to name it." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a locked." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to burst out into a roar of laughter. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "She will not sell." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had second." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, pressing in one house as in another. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. into the room. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, closely." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "By no means." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "But how will you look?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use strange features which were associated with the two crimes which invisible to me," I remarked. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." him, that man would not have given me such complete information "We must have a cab." success. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside fashion which was peculiar to him. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and no precautions can guard against." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, had this final quarrel? too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness subject to the trademark license, especially commercial closing the door. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "How do you know, then?" "From his hat?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "In which, sir?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to call it cruel." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Her father is very rich?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "How did you deduce the select?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those