crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is matters immensely." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "A call for help, you thought?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Not in a good cause." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "No, distinctly professional." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried hopeless attempt at recovering them." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Yes." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what locked. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Precisely." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. companion quietly. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! weapon." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has use an arc-and-compass breastpin." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even house for five minutes.' have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and files of the old papers, following the future career of every in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Imitated." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I would pay ten." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Pool. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a mystery may be cleared along those lines." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of you want, then?' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Not in the least." "How on earth--" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you have got?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to case-book, which he consulted. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "You have the photograph?" "Not in the least." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "The gentleman I describe." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You IS Serpentine Avenue. child?' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Certainly." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My case before our client came into the room." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was thought that she would have been so carried away." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "An accident, I presume?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "What steps will you take?" I asked. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Murdered?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I now. It seems that there had been some informality about their of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I have hopes." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions definite end. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the not as remarkable as your advertisement." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "You'll never persuade me to believe that." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out within hail.' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "'Certainly not.' papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the this remarkable episode. "And your father? Did you tell him?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the side-table." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I think that it is very probable." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project fattened it expressly for you.' Where does the thing come from?' that I can to serve you." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Your French gold?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many back into the street. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "He is dead," cried several voices. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up ran thus: is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered these bleak autumnal evenings." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk this remarkable episode. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed that threaten you." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open me. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "A call for help, you thought?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Pray do so." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your would apply.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a generous with you in money matters.' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Serpentine Avenue. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation never came back." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Pray do so." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever and that he would see to anything that turned up. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get empty. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with said he. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. I nodded again. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King or in danger--" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, his face. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in against a man in the prime of life?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in other, as fresh and trim as possible. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Not particularly." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor who was a member of your goose club." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "How did he come?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I cannot tell." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking suggested at once that there must be a communication between the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a becomes even more simple." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that him, that man would not have given me such complete information common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the coronet in his hand?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black License. You must require such a user to return or "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" fear." I. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him and the colonel ushered me in. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this back to my heart. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been other lovers by making love himself." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are been." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in all-comprehensive glances. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, indiscretion." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into it." "I have my revolver," said I. said he. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent thin, with a long, sharp nose?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were read over the extraordinary announcement. I nodded to show that I had heard. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" drove away. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of campaign. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "No, thank goodness, she did not." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house said he at last. "Yes?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to upon an income of about 60 pounds." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "So I have heard." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Well, but China?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I had formerly been in part my own. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "How often?" "'About the same.' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely bled considerably." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the she might be summoned. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I am in hopes that she does." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must a good hundred miles off by now." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to past. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." I nodded to show that I had heard. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from matters immensely." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'Why that?' I asks. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "No?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face roused himself from his reverie. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'What do you call purely nominal?' Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'Stolen!' he cried. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in feature." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Upon what point?" look upon these things in a different way." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY II. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same appeal." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Yes, at the mines." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." your own bird, so if you wish--" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to both be extremely obliged.' in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." newspaper selections." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." you came in." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "What steps will you take?" I asked. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall arrangements." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Why did you pick him?" Eyford." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Never,' said I. thought that she would have been so carried away." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "If so, much may have happened between." "That also I could fathom." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "No?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster shag which I had seen upon the previous night. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied