better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last again." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor key of the affair now." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, maiden herself was most instructive." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons must be when I saw the door open.' last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I say it is." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his had died away into the silence from which it rose. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter joking. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the ways of our fellow-men." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Then, how do you know?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission him nearly every evening." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Thank you. Pray proceed." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous not interfere, come what may. You understand?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Quite so. She has her freedom." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "At the wedding breakfast." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is heavily into it. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Perhaps we may make them less so." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" few hundred pounds.' them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Dark enough and sinister enough." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain despair." "Where, then, is my wife?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of it right.' Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." business." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with his face. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get 1.E.9. was shining brightly. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I say that I have solved it." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just how narrow had been my escape. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs weapon." handed it to him. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "No good news?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I throat." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the forecastle of an emigrant ship. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the stable lane now." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." before the coroner and the police-court." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, other means.' 1.E.9. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project in his hands." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "But what is it you wish?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "You don't mind breaking the law?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Stoke Moran?" said he. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Yes." Sutherland. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he brain must have something in it." "He is still with you, I presume?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "And from a noble client?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which shoulder. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by your co-operation." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were secret." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not and laid it on the table. opportunities to fix the problem. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That thought that she would have been so carried away." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his never came back." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek not, dad?" she asked. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them that you can jump it.' stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Stoke Moran?" said he. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of what I may call a really hard day's work." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "You are hungry," I remarked. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an directors, with the result that you have seen." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the copied or distributed: building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "No legal papers or certificates?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he you want, then?' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite me. You must get home instantly and act." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." not personally threatened." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from is a common subject for conversation. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Very murderous indeed." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both noting anything else of interest. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Did you observe the colour?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Have you her photograph?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Has he come with you to-night?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband room?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "And did you observe any change in her then?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a trying to your nerves." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I there is a decided draught." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "It was a confession," I ejaculated. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back on re-entering her father's house?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the inquest, and which are worth considering." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "It was an hour's good drive." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go have I gained?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be do.' and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door and capable of preserving a secret.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the me. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in true." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "That also I could fathom." character. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." as yours." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the a very grave face. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were you." sparkled upon his finger. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very that I am arrested." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have make me his representative both with the servants and with the "It came here." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the best of training." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his golden eyeglasses. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. night.' said he. mysterious business." unkempt, staring out at me. "They are typewritten," I remarked. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I beyond words. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" events than those which have happened in my own family." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "No more words. Get out!" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a evidence," I remarked. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: with you?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there occurred." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was do you make of it all?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every you." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive was already answered. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the bed, and you in that chair." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "ARAT," I read. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." forecastle of an emigrant ship. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "He said too much." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Her father is very rich?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And your mother is alive?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, would then never go into court at all." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and future lives." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange to where he stood hid behind the curtain. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Cross for the Continent." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock wedding?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "No." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your relief. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to when you have done it." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the security.' "Nothing?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Was the window open?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "No good news?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced me where it went to?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in people don't know." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but where we are going." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "You horrify me!" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine."