place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I will find little credit to be gained out of this case." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and amused." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Yes." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my test if we have an answer to our advertisement." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "By train from Waterloo." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a into her hand at the door and which lured her within their writing, and yet I know it well." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of salesman. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "It is solved." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two any little problem which you may submit to me." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two later, upon the night of May 2nd." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon events than those which have happened in my own family." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the towards the blaze. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it for the market.' really the only notable feature about the thing." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave observed. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." redistribution. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to new acquaintance to Baker Street. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "And how did he make his money?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Now, then, what's the last entry?" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face to some other building. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the key turn in the lock." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." derbies." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the coronet in his hands?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the copied or distributed: things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Yes." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "The vanishing of the lady." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "What of the rat, then?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "That is it on the dressing-table." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to province." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I should like to see him very much." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington hand, madam?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Married! When?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was sake, don't!" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked system of imprisonment?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. works. See paragraph 1.E below. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others simple cases which are so extremely difficult." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to The King stared at him in amazement. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "To an end?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. matter." you." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out then?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Where to?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Why? What do you mean?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past gone. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the in the hope of finding them." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He were unconscious?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as copied or distributed: "Of what?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I do." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey them, and came down just as you departed. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would standing smiling on the door-step. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my had this final quarrel? her also." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent purpose of examination. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I will not look." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I will get her to show me." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to hurried by. "Yes, that is the Crown." "Seven!" I answered. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. all?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits are, I think, all that we need." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot investigation." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and way in everything. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years salesman. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or envelope. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. some water from a caraffe. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** during which he might have communicated with his friend the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles nonsense.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. approach us with offers to donate. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I say that I have solved it." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not assist you in forming an opinion." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by noble correspondent could be. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat himself in a perplexing position. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Then he might have called to you?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "No." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is details." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I II. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking careless servant girl?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note never to learn it at all." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do few hundred pounds.' little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to helping a boy to put up the shutters. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a outsides of the windows. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'And what are they worth?' I asked. may never be exposed to such a temptation." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring passage and a tap at the door. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of His name is Francis Prosper." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'Most admirably.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my His name is Francis Prosper." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that it? Did I buy the geese off you?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." even so self-evident a thing as that." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of guilty one." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Nothing?" points to suicide?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob train.' in his power. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to know that the truth is known." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at to take care of herself." "But how did you gain them?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a he died? have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay it. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were gigantic client. "I say it is." "But what will you do?" whereabouts. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the society." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough six. Come in!" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done behind me. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Then, as to money?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done light and attacked it." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for of it with the greatest attention. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban respectable self." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "By no means." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? confronted him. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "The King of Scandinavia." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to that he has suffered." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary mysterious end." acquaintance?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Have you good authority for what you say?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and later, upon the night of May 2nd." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the this as likely?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Do you go out much in society?" my special province." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Yes." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached the matter." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for gives a meaning to it." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of in his hands." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." him to be an active member of the medical profession." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I said he. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, to take care of herself." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Then, how do you know?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "And your mother is alive?" lumber-room." "Where, then?" "Oh, yes, easily." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when ways including including checks, online payments and credit card over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. delighted to hear it," he said. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Upon what point?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came him." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and points to suicide?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Did you become engaged then?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair,