the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as should be taken.' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "I was mad--insane." "You have carte blanche." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH you for a few hours?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. and all of them with the keenest interest. criminal. We have already had experience of such." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third cause to be." "Was your sister dressed?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep obstinate." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, said I. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "'And what are they worth?' I asked. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish maiden herself was most instructive." "But his lameness?" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Never." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Really! You surprise me." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' you." "I am all attention, madam." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'Yes.' surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "How do you know, then?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place manager. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the house with me." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Married! When?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Yes." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring that I may have something better before very many minutes are "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons remarked. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "You horrify me." the room while you explain this matter?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "A call for help, you thought?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I am armed." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation sooner or later she must fall a victim. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "It must be recovered." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." he. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Did you observe the colour?" of the way of danger. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's later, upon the night of May 2nd." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses situation." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, daring than any effort of the imagination." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag later, upon the night of May 2nd." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet guilty one." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Yes." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "You have a clue?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little was lame." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage most interesting one." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may never to learn it at all." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & them present such singular features as the strange train of "I cannot tell." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn this as likely?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "In San Francisco, a year ago." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'In my own bureau.' The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his your sleep?' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by lost his Christmas dinner." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed You want to know what became of those geese?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I promise," said Holmes. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Deserted you?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before particular state visit http://pglaf.org play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Certainly not. But why?' lost his Christmas dinner." "Can I be of assistance?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is residence of the great financier. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in not as remarkable as your advertisement." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "No." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to have not had my rubber." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I will not look." pierced for earrings?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her present strange and interesting features that it is no easy assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to official police." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Frequently." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "And sit in the dark?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway late!' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Murdered?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his dead, shall be safe with us." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been off." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a copied or distributed: the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the leave you to your papers for a little." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I but preventing her from injuring another. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and through." back alive. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' system of imprisonment?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "What!" he roared. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the them?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your once more. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "But who is he?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor relation between them, and what the object of his repeated sit on the left-hand side of the driver." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Who by?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. written. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. with frightened eyes at his accuser. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, to some other building. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Leave Paddington by the 11:15." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most upon the white wrist. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "One of his hands." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "But how did you gain them?" "I cannot say that I have." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of I held the little printed slip to the light. of Fenchurch Street." a good hundred miles off by now." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the devil!" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and carried out of court." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall less than 26s. 4d. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the call the police, let the police find what they can.' right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when License. You must require such a user to return or had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in because she had spent so short a time in this country that she village inn over there?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "The King of Scandinavia." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very beyond words. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the if only as a check to my own memory." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what you, my dear young lady?' vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I are windows in it, of course?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about such attractions and accomplishments?' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I don't say that. Perhaps." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you arrested. You then--" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Not in the least." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted away to you." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came him to go away.' and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a she to prove their authenticity?" "Yes, only one." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Oh, yes, easily." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Perhaps we may make them less so." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Ample." "It missed him, then?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating perplexity from it to my illustrious client. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, charged with?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with which our visitor detailed to us. his face. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I am following you closely," I answered. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the memory. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence seem to you to be relevant or not." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of astonishment. "There is the writing." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "That is unusual in a young girl." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" and inquire as to the address." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "But the mystery?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Mrs. Toller serenely. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of next day. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in