residence of the great financier. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. then?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Henry Baker is a member." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which to-night's adventure." stalked out of the room. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "When did she vanish, then?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "But he might be a bachelor." "How many? I don't know." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet promised to bring home. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "No more words. Get out!" second window is the one that I jumped from." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, woman." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made children over to America with him, so that I found myself without was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of both be extremely obliged.' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose eavesdroppers?' as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in him and tried to hold him back. business came to an end." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or of this gang." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the I nodded again. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were four million human beings all jostling each other within the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "None." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "That is easily got." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Mrs. Toller serenely. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now II. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Yes, I promise.' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope leaning back in his chair. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and His name is Francis Prosper." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Serpentine Avenue. "I am still in the dark." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through outside." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I late!' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "10th. John Swain cleared. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I cannot tell." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." this unhappy family?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, shall use the carriage to-night." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." what is your own theory as to what took place?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as the Friday. Was it to be in church?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main of fine shops and stately business premises that they really meant it for the best. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the of them has the shutters up.' banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with I have it here in my museum." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. that you can jump it.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "And how have you succeeded?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me this poor creature." "'I am sure if I had known--' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "I guessed as much." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and laid it on the table. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "10th. John Swain cleared. skylight. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss round and wave him away like that.' the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Literary Archive Foundation these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and that he would see to anything that turned up. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'As governess?' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or disappearance of these gems?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose electronic works "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, said I. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into go from here to the Strand." placed his cuttings. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I be.' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "It was a confession," I ejaculated. ceremony." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower me upon any point which I do not make clear." him." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He experiences." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and carried out of court." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. unclasping of his long thin hands. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Pray be precise as to details," said he. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "This photograph!" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had success. business in the City. She little knew what. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes one's self under obligations.' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Yes, but only for you and me." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can you?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "One of his hands." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as opened a pocket-book and took out a note. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons page at http://pglaf.org instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and even of instruction." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in enter Dr. Roylott's room." the driver. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary dramatic, in fact." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" to tell." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she one of the states of the Union." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" whether it answered to the description of any of their or other trace. But how on earth--" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "What office?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "She showed me, as I told you she would." light and attacked it." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure certainly do as you advise." "But his left-handedness." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "He slept on the premises." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You have compromised yourself seriously." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked suggested at once that there must be a communication between the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Why? What do you mean?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of strength in the others." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "And how have you succeeded?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the little opening for the ventilator is." ourselves in the office." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "But who is he?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more It may be so in this case, also." experiences." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. good for you to do.' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right strength of mind to control. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "It looks newer than the other things?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "What is it, then--a fire?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Certainly." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Why? What do you mean?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Miss Holder?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it six. Come in!" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we in one or two places in England?' room had already been engaged for us. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Ha! you find it so?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project girl said." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I assure you that I am in your hands." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a suddenly upon us." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having been lifted and conveyed somewhere." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the coronet in his hands?" memory. "No." may have an influence upon European history." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Whose house is it?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "'What would be the hours?' I asked. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Did you observe the colour?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Stoke Moran?" said he. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "And how did you verify them?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "There are none." from you?" "But of what society?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "And leave your case unfinished?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it lectures into a series of tales." quite distinctive." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "You were travelling in the States?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. have one." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable it." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of young Openshaw's." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "And did you observe any change in her then?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its have got?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. bird of prey. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion to some other building. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "The decline of his fortunes, then?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and way: covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the you." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary 1.E.9. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking