association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "How did you trace it, then?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project one which it was hard to resist. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of desk. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his heavy and sharp instrument." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "No, I am descending." secret." "No sign of it?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Quite so." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own note?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already again before evening." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "He is still with you, I presume?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for him nearly every evening." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal direction." new acquaintance to Baker Street. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Then you may be so with me." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able fait accompli?" you, my dear young lady?' play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "And your father? Did you tell him?" knowledge of the world." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a again." little trying to do so much typewriting?" it. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "And why?" "Never." chair. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to brandy and water within his reach. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at address. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Well, it is a possible supposition." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little him, that man would not have given me such complete information his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not at once, for I have only half an hour." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less happened." vault. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Did you become engaged then?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over London for the present?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Holmes, the busybody!" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow brandy and water within his reach. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I would give my fortune to have them back." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had morning." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so details." but preventing her from injuring another. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little strode off upon his way. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small his knees, staring into the fire. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no of it with the greatest attention. his forehead." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and cigars in their mouths. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. putting in the horse. for the market.' its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "But you have hopes?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Did your wife hear all this?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the general public were present, then?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Holmes. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time you." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best man. I know him from the photograph." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should is so. I know all about McCarthy." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "But who is he?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where and shall probably return to London by the evening train." place of silver." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the respectable self." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where village inn over there?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At at my own good fortune. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a few hundred pounds.' answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's against a man in the prime of life?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Perhaps I have." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." success. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which depend upon your compliance." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He official police." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a bears upon the case?" row." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. always that they were such commands as a lady might with name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately What do you deduce from it?" "What then?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "By no means." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Count Von Kramm." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I writers could invent nothing more crude." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time London for the present?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We of Fenchurch Street." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Did he not advertise?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "If so, much may have happened between." "Precisely so. But how--" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew true." again, where I was soon asleep. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." morning." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless views." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "I cannot imagine." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I have come for advice." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "No?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking outside." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," and capable of preserving a secret.' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. congratulate you again." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, prisoner's face. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the your troubles." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she of campaign. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "But to whom?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms been deceived." "Very truly yours, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'Is 4 pounds a week.' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Have you it here?" occurred." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all writers could invent nothing more crude." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to your billet.' "What of the rat, then?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. outside." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "What of the rat, then?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' You want to know what became of those geese?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his memory. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head were new raised from a basin. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and charged with?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded his huge brown hands. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this at once, for I have only half an hour." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the nursery. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "But she could not love him." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Yes, at the mines." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a posted to-day." "And how did you find out?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I was sure that I might rely on you." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. whole matter to your consideration." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. them?" "None." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." what do you think they found in the pockets?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from seven miles from Eyford Station.' hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your soul! here is her carriage at the door." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the The summons was a brief and urgent one. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" pressing in one house as in another. happened." without a word or a look. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Cross for the Continent." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I future lives." roused himself from his reverie. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what you." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the sake, don't!" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "And how in the world did you find them?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "'Entirely.' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. I am not easy in my mind about them." back into the street. http://gutenberg.net/license). editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and shall probably return to London by the evening train." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had never came back." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming