to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "The murder was done with it." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for was a loud and authoritative tap. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "You have a clue?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are at my remark. Does that suggest anything?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors until night should bring an explanation. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without individual and becomes the badge of a society." "It came here." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." becomes even more simple." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" she might be summoned. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet chair. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "BALLARAT." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he his eyes and forehead. closing the door. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** himself to hunt down. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers I am not easy in my mind about them." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be several quiet little villages up there." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of giving me time to thank him. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" have established a very serious case against the son of the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless vault. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "I assure you that I am in your hands." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be of his shoulders. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the armchair which I pushed forward for him. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old instituted." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a him to go away.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to head. So long, then!" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had call the police, let the police find what they can.' with some details as to your case." "In heaven's name, what for?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and me where it went to?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin and your relations to her." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Whose house is it?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his my former friend and companion. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Was she in good spirits?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, and all of them with the keenest interest. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental system of imprisonment?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. directly by questioning you." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Yes, I have one waiting." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Was she in good spirits?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of be there in time for your coming." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between you?' transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "And how did you verify them?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the matter?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Just look it up, then." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the said he. "Precisely so. But how--" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his then?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to mysterious end." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. them present such singular features as the strange train of "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "What?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a to surprise her." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your present." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was crackling voice. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. views." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his outsides of the windows. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "I am in hopes that she does." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." answered with a sidelong glance. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the man. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate of a light. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself delirious. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "How did he come?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Yes, I promise.' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "You forget that I know nothing about it." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "You horrify me!" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Really! You surprise me." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may get the tickets." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous skylight. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." cigars in the box." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for security.' "Was there a secret marriage?" should be so warm over such a trifle." absorbing." must compliment you." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he that he will be back before evening." colonel looking down at me. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just my secret was safe in his possession. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I cannot imagine." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three less than 26s. 4d. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Texas, I think." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "We were both in the photograph." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I think it very unlikely." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Entirely." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand companion imperturbably. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Do you receive much company?" he asked. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your occurred." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, it." of the vacancies.' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "My last client of the sort was a king." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to where she found matters as described by the last witness. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in these bleak autumnal evenings." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through second window is the one that I jumped from." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. posted to-day." "No, finished." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down said he, "my real name is James Ryder." you?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were matters immensely." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, which was all perfectly true. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of occurred." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes cigar and let me expound." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with said I. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Nearly eleven." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Perhaps I have." the morning and make my own way in the world.' them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with unprofitable." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'In my own bureau.' unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "'Oh, no.' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, man. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with up this clue while it is still hot." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very giving me time to thank him. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet have accepted such a situation. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his overpowering excitement and concern. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "But you have hopes?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I have hopes." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "None. Neville wrote those words." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always and capable of preserving a secret.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She begun to whiten, even as mine has." meant." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. such attractions and accomplishments?' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the you." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "At what time?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually delirious. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. throat." "Well, some hundreds of times." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Miss Holder?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two appeal." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations such attractions and accomplishments?' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been you?' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, in him." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. I am not easy in my mind about them." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "It is solved." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? vanished into the darkness. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of Mr. Rucastle's." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance business in the City. She little knew what. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the house with me."