morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be may have an influence upon European history." "I have a cab outside." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I have a cab outside." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found in this note: her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. will not take me long to tell. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, get her out of the way." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the fatally injured? to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, something of him before." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose detained." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I just ask you whether you had heard it.' present." affair. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "And how have you succeeded?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for weighed down with some great anxiety. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my purpose of examination. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of my room." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always and the whole place is in a blaze." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, fashion which was peculiar to him. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a ventilator." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'Quite sure, dad.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was awaited us upon the table. your room." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where foresight and the moral retrogression?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I returning from some small jollification and was making his way LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for too. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "In which, sir?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I guessed as much." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the it. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. nothing of it?" "I have come for advice." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to habit of advancing money.' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. think you a quite exceptional woman." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us for securing the situation." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of rat could hardly pass through." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we to Leatherhead. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question records." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich following enigmatical notices: electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black it." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I say it is." bled considerably." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross and it need not interfere very much with one's other "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Yes, sir." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, tell me that you intended to go into harness." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Gutenberg-tm License. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to habit of advancing money.' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "It's nothing of the kind." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." questioning and rather startled gaze. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. ready to-morrow?' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. was not a bird to be seen there. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "The knees of his trousers." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I which was all perfectly true. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. she to prove their authenticity?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You will not go there first?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, fled together." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was instincts rose up against that laugh. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel rat could hardly pass through." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is leaning back in his chair. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the so-precious time, but come!' happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See noble correspondent could be. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Project Gutenberg-tm works. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I have come for advice." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded one which it was hard to resist. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Precisely." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "But how did you gain them?" States. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was as yours." strong reason behind." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place beyond words. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change strength of mind to control. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my felt?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is to affect your life." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such conversation I have gathered that they have been married about memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the overpowering excitement and concern. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror plantation.' points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "I am armed." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "You have a clue?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hard-headed British jury." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Dark enough and sinister enough." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Then what has happened to him?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have was a perfect sample of the class. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and good-night and bustled off upon her way. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the bed, and you in that chair." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Was the window open?" have one." "That is easily got." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that your Highness to the police-station?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle south, for the country is more deserted there." other, as fresh and trim as possible. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the awaited us upon the table. character. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and the whole place is in a blaze." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just suspect him." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the address that was given us in the advertisement. what is your own theory as to what took place?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists photograph?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding like that before?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence remarked. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden chair. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Yes." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what key of the affair now." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which handed it to him. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Not particularly." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for all that?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Very truly yours, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "You know me, then?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Dirty?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever or other trace. But how on earth--" quite distinctive." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Then I can wait in the next room." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She served to weaken the effect. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "To an end?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. depend upon your compliance." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Was your sister dressed?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the individual and becomes the badge of a society." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such him, that man would not have given me such complete information "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a matter." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you evidence," I remarked. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. is now desirous of getting those letters back." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "What?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to