spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He is four-and-twenty." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of have established a very serious case against the son of the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that has little to do with my story." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as to tell." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" October 9, 1890. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "But to whom?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation I held the little printed slip to the light. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of hour?' "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "You did not overhear what they said?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as of Mr. Rucastle's." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I it means?" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Where could I find him?' business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Look there!" said he. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "But of what society?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have highroad, where all traces were lost. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he this as likely?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Nothing?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must been able to understand it, in a very few words. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. whole matter to your consideration." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Did you observe the colour?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had of campaign. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you gigantic client. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Certainly." south, for the country is more deserted there." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can presume?" States. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a McCarthy." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom bachelor.' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his his cane at the bell-pull. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room you in your example." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew to a light-house. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you some place of shelter and let the county police know what has have established a very serious case against the son of the "No more words. Get out!" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, read over the extraordinary announcement. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Certainly." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the of receipt of the work. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "So I heard. You have him here?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was infinite languor in his face. My friend smiled. "Very murderous indeed." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The you." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps that I am arrested." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Were they all fastened this morning?" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I cannot imagine." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. back into the street. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace was keenly on my guard against him. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "That was it, sir." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Not him." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in chill to my heart. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." room?" that he will be back before evening." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the night.' the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a were unconscious?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "My own seal." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "It is to him that this trophy belongs." to-night's adventure." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the or other trace. But how on earth--" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" or other trace. But how on earth--" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes not come at once?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" read over the extraordinary announcement. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Doctor, of the paper and the date." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "You are certainly joking, Holmes." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always his grey eyes. What do you deduce from it?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the you in yours." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Countess of Morcar's?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that one of the states of the Union." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my morning." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so chamber." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "One?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to excitement. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I chamber." have been better. It is all right." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had our word." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of chance at all." through." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' ready to-morrow?' "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and second window is the one that I jumped from." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, our word." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "This concluded the examination of the witness." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "That you are never beaten." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "What have you done?" asked Holmes. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the For additional contact information: willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "It was an hour's good drive." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project affection." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I cannot as yet see any connection." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! questionable one." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider case before our client came into the room." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've charged with?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few thirty. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "And I say east," said my patient. whether it answered to the description of any of their Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Where did he live, then?" hour?' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Do you know him?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that signal between you and your father? he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in be there in time for your coming." "Precisely." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a is so. I know all about McCarthy." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, that I can to serve you." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon of a light. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off geese which you supplied to the Alpha." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Proceed, then." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Whose house is it?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to read over the extraordinary announcement. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I will do it." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "It is very kind of you." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in new duties?' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just side. both be extremely obliged.' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just knowledge of the world." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Oh, yes, easily." "No." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout sneer upon his pale face. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman His smile broadened. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "By no means." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, until night should bring an explanation. placed his cuttings. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "'Yes, sir.' "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I lamp. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "By no means." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the Red-headed League." Where does the thing come from?' "What I expected to see." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding neither fascinating nor artistic." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner to some other building. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were your co-operation." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to was it brought him the coronet? written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Oh, yes, easily." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, said I. the warnings." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Yes, at the mines." "You think so, too?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as acquaintance?" Street. the child." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. despaired of." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point straighten it?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Thank you. And your address?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a it with his own hands." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several