constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Countess of Morcar's?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "That's no good." "Precisely." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search me where it went to?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** me where it went to?" of receipt of the work. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "You have compromised yourself seriously." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Which are?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with interested in these little problems, and since you are good second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "The gentleman I describe." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his and that he would see to anything that turned up. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able of Fenchurch Street." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and about. chambers. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very strode off upon his way. be best to do. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that enter into my head. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be held up the lantern and gazed about him. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know seen the man in the road." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you thirty. "You have a clue?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" only touch the interest." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient come either from the window or the door. My attention was "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to other, as fresh and trim as possible. felt?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies gone before you can get him to hospital." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and effective." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens written. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "He might." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I beg pardon." "'Yes, sir.' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the house with me." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of works. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Have you it here?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, be there in time for your coming." strength." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "But you can know nothing of this?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Then how many are there?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" floor. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her is worth.' "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by gone. sofa. This way, please!" observed. in one or two places in England?' fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager must compliment you." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining way in everything. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we answered with a sidelong glance. union?" "Yes, he did." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very singular points about the case. What did the police think of the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is be best to do. gbnewby@pglaf.org pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "And that is--" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." enter into my head. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. straighten it?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" conclusions. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his friend's singular character. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Do you go out much in society?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" main points of my analysis." may never be exposed to such a temptation." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our hand, madam?" "I fear not." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers thin legs towards the fire. "Certainly." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to purpose equally well?" "How did that help you?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Sutherland. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle for its centre. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "I do." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "You have but to name it." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "They are typewritten," I remarked. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, ashen face. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked true." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and recover the gem." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "That is it on the dressing-table." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared of it with the greatest attention. wanted for ourselves." death." that?' Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of or other trace. But how on earth--" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "But you can know nothing of this?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt entirely devoid of interest." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble were new raised from a basin. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Your French gold?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Sutherland?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey upon the white wrist. and laid it on the table. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called it. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger away in different directions, and I went off to make my own fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire little trying to do so much typewriting?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which becomes even more simple." "But how?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." was a lad." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my putting in the horse. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the matter?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off closely." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared nonsense.' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend depend upon my doing so.' present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "She told me to ask you." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "A client, then?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a business at Coburg Square is serious." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "It came here." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "You were travelling in the States?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean are windows in it, of course?" "Certainly." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike passage and a tap at the door. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I cannot tell." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked joking. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as there in twenty minutes." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy your bag." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Precisely." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, second." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Nothing." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Thank you. And your address?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my be there in time for your coming." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. new duties?' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have it right.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help handed it to him. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "It was an hour's good drive." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "And how?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the so-precious time, but come!' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable observed. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the galvanised. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Then you may be so with me." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I am in hopes that she does." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I never have." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "But I have heard all that you have heard." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'I have already given you my word.' actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" said he. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I am sure." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the prison!" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "My stepfather's business papers." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?"