though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our forecastle of an emigrant ship. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Holmes. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, get her out of the way." to talk it over. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "What can you not understand?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a not come at once?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the McCarthy's innocence. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Yes, sir.' I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad in your London, you will know that the office of the company is miles off. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'Then let me do so?' "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is sneer upon his pale face. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you coroner's jury." "You are all wrong." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "The decline of his fortunes, then?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother asked. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." I shall communicate with you." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." of Mr. Rucastle's." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds man. the general public were present, then?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back you in your example." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Why did you pick him?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a letters?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent said he, "my real name is James Ryder." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of in a friendly supper." McCarthy's innocence. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Was your sister dressed?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may touch that coronet?' had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, himself in a perplexing position. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like one which it was hard to resist. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I say it is." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then enough to aid us in our search." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "And now?" He raised his hand. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I am armed." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you morning." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "And is that all?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "It missed him, then?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal felt the room to be a little close.' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave in the port of London." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end used to be." His name is Francis Prosper." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the new duties?' terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Miss Holder?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the Assizes." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 security.' to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his been able to understand it, in a very few words. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a corner of the building. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Precisely so. But how--" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin past. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a know what is wrong with it.' mystery." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out least a fellow-countryman. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the side-table." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" weighed down with some great anxiety. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the signal between you and your father? three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had copied or distributed: really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands words came to my lips. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at what these perils are?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that but preventing her from injuring another. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, said I. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to bachelor.' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his good for you to do.' "She told me to ask you." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still think that any burglar could have done. "'I have heard so.' that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "His face fell immediately. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle with the outside air!" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "And what did you learn from him?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I would pay ten." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this sooner or later she must fall a victim. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, held up the lantern and gazed about him. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, there when the Rucastles went away." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have who was a member of your goose club." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray what do you think they found in the pockets?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a were unconscious?" envelope. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt asked with his eyes open. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your shoulder. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for point our research must commence, and we will begin it by her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, keep the flames under. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "You were travelling in the States?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "'Certainly,' I answered. "I have my revolver," said I. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Always." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and glanced through. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. chair. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He to a light-house. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "What, then?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard empty. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed public press." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder into her hand at the door and which lured her within their all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the even of instruction." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "His face fell immediately. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a trying to your nerves." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Street. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'Stolen!' he cried. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "A confidential servant?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the I nodded to show that I had heard. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "No, I am descending." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, sound at heart." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in there!' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. humiliation." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort ceremony." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering woman." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went tail." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is that you saw all that I did." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the best of training." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your even so self-evident a thing as that." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his on re-entering her father's house?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "How on earth--" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Your sister is dead, then?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp advice." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." up this clue while it is still hot." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very face and glided from the room. "You saw the ventilator, too?" arrested. You then--" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Yes, from Horsham." this poor creature." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's persecution?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "No." "Yes, sir." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Why serious?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "He is dead," cried several voices. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, your bag." goes." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he get her out of the way." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. this as likely?" problems help me to do so." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or few hundred pounds.' "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very anything to a woman, for she would have her way." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler hurried by. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, have been better. It is all right." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Come in!" said he. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "He is still with you, I presume?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so him!" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "I promise," said Holmes. "Yes." learned something! Where are the gems?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." derbies." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Dr. Becher's." guilty one." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better more solid." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers.