matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of receipt of the work. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "You have carte blanche." "Dr. Becher's." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many system of imprisonment?" note?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Then I shall certainly come." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." attention." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly your Highness to the police-station?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Arthur Conan Doyle "What then?" flock.' "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a points to suicide?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "But we can't all be." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "But how?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from chamber." "It is half-past ten now." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." me. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the dangers which encompass me." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would thirty. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Thank you. And your address?" points to suicide?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one morning." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was hurried by. a monotonous occupation." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "On Monday." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just question," said Holmes, smiling. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "That also I could fathom." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after in his hands." the King without delay." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'Oh, no.' 11:15.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To have I gained?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "And you can do nothing until then?" least a most suspicious remark." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the stable lane now." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "How long did she speak to this Alice?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Serpentine Avenue. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two thought that she would have been so carried away." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Lee, in the county of Kent." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was drawing your inferences." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us that he has suffered." you, my dear young lady?' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in which we had just quitted. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. entirely devoid of interest." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I have hopes." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "That is easily got." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Henry Baker is a member." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I will get her to show me." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the date of his supposed suicide." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same had a long day." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "'Then let me do so?' "He disappeared so suddenly." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with to you." about. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "He said too much." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the a room. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into other lovers by making love himself." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it writing, and yet I know it well." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. tell them apart.' It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Was the window open?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Yes, sir." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to-night's adventure." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. was not a bird to be seen there. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "He disappeared so suddenly." "He is still with you, I presume?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of six. Come in!" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "How about poison?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross upon the white wrist. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "And what did you learn from him?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Where, indeed?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite entirely lost his self-respect." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the coronet in his hand?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "In the cells." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was October 9, 1890. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I have got?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Get out!" said he. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily arrangements." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway it with his own hands." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Yesterday." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used outbreak?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague lumber-room." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "He disappeared so suddenly." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from gone before you can get him to hospital." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. was a loud and authoritative tap. ways of our fellow-men." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the situation." make me his representative both with the servants and with the remarked. "Perhaps I have." "Never to return." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Was the window open?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. retorted upon me, and I on you." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any October 9, 1890. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little these bleak autumnal evenings." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a them, and came down just as you departed. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" telegram would bring me down to your help." kind enough to tell me what I should do." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds see me here to avoid scandal." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment individual and becomes the badge of a society." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I say it is." "He said too much." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he which our visitor detailed to us. "My dear Holmes!" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and there in twenty minutes." works. See paragraph 1.E below. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a province." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "You are certainly joking, Holmes." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Texas, I think." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a plantation.' "'In my own bureau.' been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Was he the only applicant?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a observed. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who knowledge of the world." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'Which dealer's?' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Never." society." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin charged with?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "No. His orders were to stay in the house." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hardly wander." chance at all." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "What!" he roared. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' least a most suspicious remark." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from be sorry for having acted so harshly." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if business at Coburg Square is serious." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming most important business. It is probable that he will be away all we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to key of the affair now." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "No." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly any little problem which you may submit to me." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon in the dead of the night?' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' to affect your life." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. call you and give you the chance." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the again before evening." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and wait." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune a suggestive one." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes shall use the carriage to-night." placed his cuttings. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Then he might have called to you?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A she to prove their authenticity?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "We were both in the photograph." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "You think that he is dead?" Countess of Morcar's?" imbecility!" he cried. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried have established a very serious case against the son of the just called myself is not exactly my own." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Pray let us have it, for all that." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "You saw the ventilator, too?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I