at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the them, and came down just as you departed. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has has little to do with my story." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Where did you address your letters, then?" "We must have a cab." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the nothing of it?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our for its centre. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, mysterious business." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I strong reason behind." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even have got?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Was the window open?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by other lovers by making love himself." "Yes, certainly." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if such attractions and accomplishments?' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I am in hopes that she does." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so national property. I was determined that the law should have its I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "And who is her maid?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I beg pardon." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Who was the criminal, then?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. prison!" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "What are they?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I looking up at the numbers of the houses." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you already been minutely examined." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and over his head with a sweet womanly caress. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the have not had my rubber." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business will not take me long to tell. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "When did it break out?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very such person." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I of the one which your family is now devouring." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." desk. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent place no limit on the sum I may draw." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "What I expected to see." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'Entirely.' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "So it appears." "What of the rat, then?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I am following you closely," I answered. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." that I can to serve you." lumber-room." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare chair. His name is Francis Prosper." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. have established a very serious case against the son of the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Pray continue your narrative." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! III. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always himself to tell his story. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the loss of it. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by you." has little to do with my story." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'And what are they worth?' I asked. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "No bad?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary certainly do as you advise." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to asked. Pool. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." may have an influence upon European history." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, bill, which interests me deeply." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get silent! Oh, he will be silent!' labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Then I shall certainly come." "No, I am descending." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "I am about to be married." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" figure." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I think that it is very probable." "I cannot imagine." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural place no limit on the sum I may draw." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the go--none." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Then you may be so with me." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me you do it in twenty minutes!' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over means taking possession of that which another person has a prior on re-entering her father's house?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is has little to do with my story." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' be.' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Murdered?" hands. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "And from a noble client?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "How did that help you?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he of a light. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are ill-usage at the hands of fortune. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" lamp. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Where to?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I think that I could be of assistance to you." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, mysterious end." deduce something from that?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "No more words. Get out!" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, even so self-evident a thing as that." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "In what way?" asked Holmes. villagers almost as much as their master. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "By no means." himself. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole unclasping of his long thin hands. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in his knees, staring into the fire. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare good-night and bustled off upon her way. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, how narrow had been my escape. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the south, for the country is more deserted there." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save future lives." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Who by?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me I nodded to show that I had heard. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he subject to the trademark license, especially commercial of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a might have a private word with us. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At and the whole place is in a blaze." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Murdered?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "And how did he make his money?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "But how?" know that the truth is known." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have been lifted and conveyed somewhere." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small gentleman's clothes. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account for and were ordered to this address. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this security.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Again Holmes raved in the air. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed her also." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the you in your example." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "And why?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "What have you to say now?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Yes." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and helping a boy to put up the shutters. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying eavesdroppers?' unkempt, staring out at me. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "None." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he possible that we could bring him back to her? morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar address. written. "I don't believe it." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" some water from a caraffe. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that information in his hands the value of which he did not himself dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "And you don't know his address?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'What are you doing there?' he asked. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "How on earth--" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house entirely devoid of interest." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it answered with a sidelong glance. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose least a fellow-countryman. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" just called myself is not exactly my own." Pool. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope yards of it?' sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was upon the white wrist. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in as he remarks, very much against the son." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, out." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." will take you up to see the machine.' "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Yesterday." how narrow had been my escape. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me read it out to me." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'Very good.' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Holmes' thin, eager face. be.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was the date of his supposed suicide." "By train from Waterloo." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court of." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "We were both in the photograph." "Where, then, is my wife?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Whose house is it?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. been with you?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way front of me. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "'I have heard so.' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in could go. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." your equipment.