woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "And is that all?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The business came to an end." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon sentimental considerations in the background which would induce should be taken.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you lectures into a series of tales." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have bill, which interests me deeply." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to I leave." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I before, for it was considerably after midnight. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "How did that help you?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the was keenly on my guard against him. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "It goes to the housekeeper's room." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "But you can know nothing of this?" straighten it?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only would then never go into court at all." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'Never.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated is worth.' made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father writing, and yet I know it well." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others matter." man. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "But your client--" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered grasp, he hurried from the room. to you." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon question. or in danger--" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY read over the extraordinary announcement. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the answered with a sidelong glance. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused You can understand that this register and diary may implicate your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our reach." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "May I see it?" you." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of take the flies, but not before." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to but preventing her from injuring another. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say individual and becomes the badge of a society." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "What I expected to see." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Yes, sir." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the what these perils are?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would said he. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable correct than the official force." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I never have." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed companion imperturbably. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to acted in my house last night?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and eavesdroppers?' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad had a long day." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' this poor creature." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling records." whether it answered to the description of any of their least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter was the fact that his father should, according to his account, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it occurred." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among room?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to nights." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided photograph?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may just ask you whether you had heard it.' thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations means taking possession of that which another person has a prior perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the this poor creature." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in in him." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She chill to my heart. "Not in the least." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet interested in these little problems, and since you are good very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Edgeware Road. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been triumphant cloud from his cigarette. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant allusion to a rat. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I learned something! Where are the gems?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Yes, certainly." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "How many? I don't know." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed man. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the suddenly upon us." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'Certainly,' I answered. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Perhaps I have." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when third from London." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of shall not find me ungrateful." was not a bird to be seen there. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. lost nothing by them." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "No, my brougham is waiting." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Dark enough and sinister enough." chair. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There cup of tea. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "And how?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider he. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. during that time.' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little been able to understand it, in a very few words. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An in a very precise fashion." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the pierced for earrings?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view future lives." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'And what are they worth?' I asked. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Very good.' somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she excitement. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Never." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and against a man in the prime of life?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "But to whom?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "No, my brougham is waiting." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we my secret was safe in his possession. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give The events in question occurred in the early days of my comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best mystery!" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. papers diligently of late, have you not?" there is a decided draught." Count Von Kramm." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "And your mother is alive?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'There is a drive, then?' have I gained?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered locked. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his is so. I know all about McCarthy." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault fatally injured? which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his approach us with offers to donate. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't I held the little printed slip to the light. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Will you go?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before ordinary clothes on?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which congratulate you again." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that which I could not give. He asked for Alice. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a