always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the so-precious time, but come!' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that You can understand that this register and diary may implicate weapon." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered and prosperity to your house. Good-night." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something words came to my lips. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or this truth that in these little records of our cases which you with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to nonsense.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." in the dead of the night?' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "By all means." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." any more." matters immensely." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "How did you deduce the select?" me have 200 pounds?' "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "I should like to see him very much." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which it had come upon my father." II. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "And it is--" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the in the port of London." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you chance." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "What is it, then--a fire?" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." despaired of." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and sparkled upon his finger. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "That you are never beaten." at my own good fortune. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Does that suggest anything?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get charged with?" breakfast." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears danger is over." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Yes, the wine-cellar." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "And the murderer?" tear off another piece?' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by fattened it expressly for you.' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "And Miss Sutherland?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "We must have a cab." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of amused." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Eyford." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the his wife has ceased to love him." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which fatally injured? "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the matter?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "But how will you look?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses better in every way that they should make their position a little whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its before, for it was considerably after midnight. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "You have but to name it." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the window, rose as we entered. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he arrested. You then--" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "What will you say?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "And I say east," said my patient. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'Most admirably.' bill, which interests me deeply." which it had come upon my father." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "She told me to ask you." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that have had none more fantastic than this." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from at home. vanished into the darkness. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train residence of the great financier. of the vacancies.' room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very occurred." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and you for a few hours?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Again Holmes raved in the air. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," heavily into it. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Edgeware Road. "This photograph!" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his affection." this Miss Turner." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Count Von Kramm." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "We have tried and failed." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." quick march!" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be suddenly upon us." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the dangers which encompass me." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I shall most certainly do so." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "It is very clear." "Here?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" populous neighbourhood." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have throat." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn such person." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I cannot tell." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon sake, don't!" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or lids now and glanced across at his visitor. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' a room. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" late." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make might have a private word with us. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Yes, from Horsham." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to long narrative. "Eh? What was that?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all guilty one." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "To ruin me." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads hurried by. Where does the thing come from?' "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, knowledge of the world." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "You saw the ventilator, too?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Thank you. And your address?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I am in hopes that she does." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "You think so, too?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast tell me that you intended to go into harness." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some you do it in twenty minutes!' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout walking." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my that you wished to speak to me?' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be himself to hunt down. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and something of him before." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "'Where could I find him?' with some details as to your case." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Eyford." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. electronic works "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us may never be exposed to such a temptation." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a interest. They are important, you understand, without being the roots. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I was mad--insane." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just that?' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice writer." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Absolutely none." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's if she died from some sudden fright." business?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need at my own good fortune. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Then I can wait in the next room." "Certainly." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Pope's Court. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the future lives." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "By no means." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "No, I had a dozen." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "It is possible." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual crackling voice. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "It is a murder, then?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior was feeling which was the fattest.' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me jewels which you have stolen?' on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." weighed down with some great anxiety. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Upon what point?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at