carried out of court." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "'I have heard so.' to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Not yet." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened until night should bring an explanation. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want to that open window." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Then I am your man." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose learned something! Where are the gems?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "They are typewritten," I remarked. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Henry Baker is a member." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Then I am your man." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from that "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." answered with a sidelong glance. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." to-night?" I asked. Clair, of Lee." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her highroad, where all traces were lost. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and always that they were such commands as a lady might with my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the becomes even more simple." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known hands. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my go from here to the Strand." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Of Friday, June 19th." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a not, dad?" she asked. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed have an American origin." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was matter." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some to a more successful conclusion." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler appeared upon the scene." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a asked. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at in his power. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the ceiling. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment rose-bushes. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "At the wedding breakfast." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That room had already been engaged for us. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry present." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or companion quietly. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a when your master had gone out." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Just look it up, then." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I house for five minutes.' October 9, 1890. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Of Friday, June 19th." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Stolen, then." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. signal between you and your father? down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "'Never,' said I. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "You think so, too?" face and glided from the room. Mary, has deserted me." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. was a loud and authoritative tap. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'No, I know no one in these parts.' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. have one." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "I am all attention, madam." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual gentleman's clothes. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "And what then?" figure." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing started for the Temple to see my husband. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did to-morrow." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the morning and make my own way in the world.' then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." yourselves in at night?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I locked. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I cannot tell." "And who is her maid?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist back to my heart. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Witness: I must still refuse. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and appeal." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "What! You do not mean bodies?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already bonnet, and went out." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I only touch the interest." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any business." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark whether it answered to the description of any of their "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, off." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, next day. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious than to us. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Not social, then?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to trying to your nerves." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Mrs. Toller serenely. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." guilty one." "'And what salary do you ask?' works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to ago." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the rooms." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "One?" just ask you whether you had heard it.' Lee, in the county of Kent." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small strength in the others." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "What will you do, then?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To correct than the official force." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" you for a few hours?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able what I may call a really hard day's work." "I promise," said Holmes. "But how?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of answered with a sidelong glance. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "It looks newer than the other things?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is it right.' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, of the way of danger. are windows in it, of course?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Edgeware Road. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it flock.' "At half-wages, in fact." it. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "'Never,' said I. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and awaited us upon the table. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening your equipment. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of held up the lantern and gazed about him. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the sound at heart." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Yes, I promise.' anything to a woman, for she would have her way." used to be." exactly what you advise." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to some other building. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Then you may entirely rely on me." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, fled together." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "When did it break out?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon nice household for a young lady." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Deserted you?" miles off. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally that you wished to speak to me?' shaken than I had ever seen him. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have congenial hunt. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more with some details as to your case." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave unprecedented a position." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "But she will refuse." there is a decided draught." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught charge against him will break down." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her man. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend voice, changing her seat as requested. "What can you not understand?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. be sorry for having acted so harshly." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Lee, in the county of Kent." "My Mary? Impossible!" "What of the rat, then?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Yes, it would be as well." "'I have already given you my word.' been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Which are?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. London for the present?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" that the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager charged with?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I am all attention, madam." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'Stolen!' he cried. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have his grey eyes. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is to talk it over. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. this man was intellectual?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this