"You'll never persuade me to believe that." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Which surely he restored to their owner?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this 1.E.9. Foundation all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Breckinridge is his name." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate his wife has ceased to love him." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but upon the white wrist. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself lectures into a series of tales." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Witness: Nothing definite. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "The Coroner: What do you mean? compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the investigation." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Ha! you find it so?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Did you become engaged then?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I am all attention, madam." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "What office?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "'A dozen yards or so.' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of away to you." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for gbnewby@pglaf.org where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their I took the paper from him and read as follows: he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Will you go?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet locked. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "But not more so than I to find you." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Entirely." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Ample." against a man in the prime of life?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been this as likely?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had disappearance of the bride.'" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a call you and give you the chance." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "And you don't know his address?" fled together." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" emerged. will take you up to see the machine.' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "It goes to the housekeeper's room." with frightened eyes at his accuser. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "But of what society?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Was the window open?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "It is a murder, then?" "Always." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations front of the hall door has given its name to the place. never will be, entirely cleared up. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes over his head with a sweet womanly caress. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and detained." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, brain must have something in it." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the one as in the other." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; one of them." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to matter over." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "And how did he make his money?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm key turn in the lock." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "And what did you learn from him?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save cup of tea. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the bill, which interests me deeply." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after again before evening." "Thank you. Pray proceed." you want, then?' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, a suggestive one." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "And why?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," about here speaks of his kindness to him." him. "How are you getting on?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I shall most certainly do so." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for train.' "And how did he make his money?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." him and tried to hold him back. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, fire. You quite follow me?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the standing smiling on the door-step. murdered man." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small said I. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I see no marks." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to amused." strength." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud I held the little printed slip to the light. telegram would bring me down to your help." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." where she found matters as described by the last witness. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Ah!" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "It goes to the housekeeper's room." business matters.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend about. soul! here is her carriage at the door." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. and glanced through. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Eyford at 11:15.' row." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, here and I will read it to you: while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client him and tried to hold him back. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. could not have written that. It is the German who is so connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "And why in hopes?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic face and glided from the room. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were forehead. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' sooner or later she must fall a victim. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Holmes." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to which should have the effect of calling the attention of the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." during that time.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a became a certainty. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Pool. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was power." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I have seen the police." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to 1.E.9. which are rolled in Rotterdam." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project are windows in it, of course?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell never will be, entirely cleared up. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your been lifted and conveyed somewhere." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired to change my dress. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, is now desirous of getting those letters back." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had friends, not even his own brother. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, main points of my analysis." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that correct than the official force." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "By all means." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. strength of mind to control. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" anything to do with the matter?" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young you want, then?' friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Then how many are there?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you appeared upon the scene." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in My friend smiled. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, following enigmatical notices: cigars in their mouths. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement I leave." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still appeared upon the scene." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "When did she vanish, then?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, to change my dress. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want a suggestive one." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was best detective that ever lived. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of humiliation." "Yes, it would be as well." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was unprofitable." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' strong reason behind." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, kindly on the shoulder. the coroner come to?" to his chemical studies. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "But you can know nothing of this?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man said I. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon quite distinctive." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled eat it." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Your presence might be invaluable." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer as he folded up the epistle. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that him." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be to miss it." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere emerged. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong upon the shelf for the interim." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler