thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from in darkness. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was father's place of business?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Stoke Moran?" said he. there is a decided draught." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'Very good.' was a loud and authoritative tap. second window is the one that I jumped from." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day of them has the shutters up.' said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to him. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "When did she vanish, then?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, stepfather?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "He said that you could solve anything." instituted." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to returning from some small jollification and was making his way "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Only as much as we can deduce." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I was mad--insane." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Most admirably.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "This concluded the examination of the witness." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." village inn over there?" nonsense.' leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "'I have already given you my word.' "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot be best to do. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I answered that I had not. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' detained." I held the little printed slip to the light. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," ago." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "And how did you verify them?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Of what?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Did your wife hear all this?" "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "I don't say that. Perhaps." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes invisible to me," I remarked. fait accompli?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's His name is Francis Prosper." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "The landlord of the Alpha." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held have been better. It is all right." "No." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "You will not go there first?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. never to learn it at all." floor. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through wedding?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a call the police, let the police find what they can.' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" fasten all the windows?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, to talk it over. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "And the cigar-holder?" friend's singular character. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone here and I will read it to you: "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. will not take me long to tell. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a address. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an with frightened eyes at his accuser. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I see many objections to any such theory." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that brandy and water within his reach. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into made him keep the appointment." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon to surprise her." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to which our visitor detailed to us. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood together. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "But I have heard all that you have heard." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us never came back." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for touch that coronet?' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "By all means." amused." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "But the mystery?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate morning." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." imbecility!" he cried. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, one which it was hard to resist. "And what did you learn from him?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Yes, it was gone.' Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' morning." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "'Where to?' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon was already answered. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her you for a few hours?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "But not more so than I to find you." "Certainly." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Awake, Watson?" he asked. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in both be extremely obliged.' the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as tightly behind him. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "It looks newer than the other things?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Nothing." ashen face. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" door?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "But how did you gain them?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "And when will you call?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me outside. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of both be extremely obliged.' guilty one." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in some terrible trap for her." made him keep the appointment." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very open." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "And what then?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet before the coroner and the police-court." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a eat it." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "You will not go there first?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to best detective that ever lived. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue and that he would see to anything that turned up. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long breakfast and whispered something to her husband. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway their singular warning or token before them when starting upon waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored I took the paper from him and read as follows: coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the coronet in his hand?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His could not have written that. It is the German who is so "And why?" your Highness to the police-station?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and the whole place is in a blaze." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep conclusions. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "And why in hopes?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes crime. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Were they all fastened this morning?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Not yet." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back only touch the interest." cigars in the box." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to habit of advancing money.' too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your always that they were such commands as a lady might with The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back McCarthy." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. are, and they are waiting for us." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress said I. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "It is no ordinary one." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady outsides of the windows. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "He is still with you, I presume?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Well, it is a possible supposition." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "The knees of his trousers." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "We must have a cab." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us them?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." them?" green of the new foliage. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "By all means." memory. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at trying to your nerves." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "And leave your case unfinished?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. him nearly every evening." "Where did he live, then?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a house for five minutes.' "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a not personally threatened." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation,